"In common usage, climate change describes global warming—the ongoing increase in global average temperature—and its effects on Earth's climate system."
The study of climate change caused by human activities, such as burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrialization.
"The current rise in global average temperature is more rapid than previous changes and is primarily caused by humans burning fossil fuels."
"Fossil fuel use, deforestation, and some agricultural and industrial practices increase greenhouse gases, notably carbon dioxide and methane."
"Larger amounts of these gases trap more heat in Earth's lower atmosphere, causing global warming."
"Climate change is causing a range of increasing impacts on the environment. Deserts are expanding, while heat waves and wildfires are becoming more common."
"Amplified warming in the Arctic has contributed to melting permafrost, glacial retreat, and sea ice loss."
"Higher temperatures are also causing more intense storms, droughts, and other weather extremes."
"Rapid environmental change in mountains, coral reefs, and the Arctic is forcing many species to relocate or become extinct."
"Even if efforts to minimize future warming are successful, some effects will continue for centuries. These include ocean heating, ocean acidification, and sea level rise."
"Climate change threatens people with increased flooding, extreme heat, increased food and water scarcity, more disease, and economic loss."
"The World Health Organization (WHO) calls climate change the greatest threat to global health in the 21st century."
"Societies and ecosystems will experience more severe risks without action to limit warming."
"Adapting to climate change through efforts like flood control measures or drought-resistant crops partially reduces climate change risks."
"Poorer communities are responsible for a small share of global emissions, yet have the least ability to adapt and are most vulnerable to climate change."
"Many climate change impacts are already felt at the current 1.2 °C (2.2 °F) level of warming."
"Additional warming will increase these impacts and can trigger tipping points, such as the melting of the Greenland ice sheet."
"Under the 2015 Paris Agreement, nations collectively agreed to keep warming 'well under 2 °C'."
"With pledges made under the Agreement, global warming would still reach about 2.7 °C (4.9 °F) by the end of the century."
"Limiting warming to 1.5 °C will require halving emissions by 2030 and achieving net-zero emissions by 2050."
"Carbon can also be removed from the atmosphere, for instance by increasing forest cover and farming with methods that capture carbon in soil."