"In common usage, climate change describes global warming—the ongoing increase in global average temperature—and its effects on Earth's climate system. Climate change in a broader sense also includes previous long-term changes to Earth's climate."
The study of changes in global climate patterns and their effects on human and natural systems.
Global Warming: The gradual increase in the Earth's surface temperature caused by the buildup of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.
Greenhouse Effect: The process by which greenhouse gases trap heat in the Earth's atmosphere and contribute to global warming.
Carbon Footprint: The total amount of greenhouse gases that are emitted by an individual, organization, or product.
Fossil Fuels: Non-renewable energy sources such as oil, gas, and coal that contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions.
Renewable Energy: Sustainable forms of energy such as solar, wind, and hydropower that produce little to no greenhouse gas emissions.
Climate Mitigation: Actions taken to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and prevent further climate change.
Climate Adaptation: Actions taken to prepare for and reduce the impacts of climate change.
Sustainable Development: Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
International Climate Agreements: International agreements such as the Paris Agreement that aim to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate climate change.
Climate Finance: Financing mechanisms that support climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts, including funding for renewable energy and climate-resilient infrastructure.
Carbon Pricing: The practice of putting a price on carbon emissions to incentivize the transition to a low-carbon economy.
Deforestation: The clearing of forests for land use or other purposes, which reduces the Earth's natural ability to absorb carbon dioxide.
Ocean Acidification: The ongoing decrease in the pH of the Earth's oceans due to increased absorption of carbon dioxide, which threatens marine ecosystems.
Climate Refugees: People who are forced to leave their homes or countries due to the impacts of climate change, such as sea level rise, drought, or extreme weather events.
Geoengineering: Proposed technologies and techniques that could artificially reduce the effects of global warming, such as carbon capture and storage or solar radiation management.
Rising sea levels: This happens due to the melting of polar ice caps and glaciers, which leads to the flooding of coastal cities and loss of land.
Extreme weather events: Heatwaves, droughts, and intense storms are predicted to occur more frequently due to climate change.
Shifts in agricultural productivity: Changes in temperatures and rainfall patterns can affect crop yields, leading to food insecurity and changes in international trade patterns.
Environmental refugees: Climate change can cause people to become displaced due to rising sea levels, desertification, and extreme weather.
Changes in military strategy: Countries may need to adapt their defense strategies due to climate-related threats such as flooding, extreme weather events, and resource scarcity.
Migration and displacement: Climate change can lead to population displacement and migration, which can impact social, economic, and political systems.
Impacts on global trade: Changes in climate can impact the availability and cost of key commodities, leading to changes in global trade patterns.
National security issues: Climate change can exacerbate political instability and conflicts over resources, such as water and food, which can threaten national security.
Changes in energy production: As countries shift toward renewable energy, geopolitical power dynamics may shift, particularly in areas with abundant renewable resources.
Carbon markets and emissions trading: Countries may choose to participate in international carbon markets and emissions trading schemes to address climate change, which can impact global economic systems.
"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."
"Greenhouse gases absorb some of the heat that the Earth radiates after it warms from sunlight. Larger amounts of these gases trap more heat in Earth's lower atmosphere, causing global warming."
"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 minimise 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. Human migration and conflict can also be a result."
"The World Health Organization (WHO) calls climate change the greatest threat to global health in the 21st century."
"Adapting to climate change through efforts like flood control measures or drought-resistant crops partially reduces climate change risks, although some limits to adaptation have already been reached."
"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."
"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."
"Reducing emissions requires generating electricity from low-carbon sources rather than burning fossil fuels."
"This change includes phasing out coal and natural gas-fired power plants, vastly increasing use of wind, solar, nuclear and other types of renewable energy."
"Carbon can also be removed from the atmosphere, for instance by increasing forest cover and farming with methods that capture carbon in soil."
"Electricity generated from non-carbon-emitting sources will need to replace fossil fuels for powering transportation, heating buildings, and operating industrial facilities."
"Carbon can also be removed from the atmosphere, for instance by increasing forest cover and farming with methods that capture carbon in soil."