What is climate change?

Climate change refers to the long-term alteration of temperature and weather patterns, making it a comprehensive phenomenon that encompasses gradual changes in the Earth's climate. This includes shifts in average temperatures, precipitation patterns, and increased frequency of extreme weather events over extended periods, usually decades or longer.

Understanding that climate change is not limited to short-term weather fluctuations helps clarify its significance. Weather can change daily or seasonally, but climate is the average of these conditions over a longer timeframe, highlighting the persistent trends that characterize climate dynamics.

Additionally, climate change is influenced by a variety of factors, including human activities such as the burning of fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial processes, which have heightened greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere. This contrasts with the notion that climate change is unaffected by human actions or is solely a natural occurrence.

Finally, while temperature increase is one component of climate change, the concept encompasses a broader range of effects, such as alterations in ocean currents, changes in ecosystems, and modifications in agricultural productivity. Recognizing climate change as a multifaceted issue allows for a better understanding of its environmental and societal impacts.