What is climate change and why should we care?

Climate change is a long-term change in the average weather patterns that have come to define Earth's local, regional and global climates. These changes have a broad range of observed effects that are synonymous with the term. Climate change may cause weather patterns to be less predictable. A region might experience lower or higher than average temperatures. Climate change may cause more frequent and severe weather events, such as storms, floods and droughts. 

Climate change is caused by factors that include oceanic processes (such as oceanic circulation), variations in solar radiation received by Earth, plate tectonics and volcanic eruptions, and human-induced alterations of the natural world; these latter effects are currently causing global warming, and "climate change" is often used to describe human-specific impacts.

The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) uses "climate change" for human-caused change, and "climate variability" for other changes. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) further distinguishes between "climate change" as any change in climate over time, whether due to natural variability or as a result of human activity, and "anthropogenic climate change" as climate change that is "attributable directly or indirectly to human activity that alters the composition of the global atmosphere".

There is broad scientific consensus that the Earth's climate is warming, and that human activity is the primary cause. The largest human influence on climate change has been the emission of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide. The primary source of these emissions is from burning fossil fuels for electricity, heat and transportation. Greenhouse gases act like a blanket around Earth, trapping energy in the atmosphere and causing it to warm.

The impacts of climate change are already being felt around the world, and are expected to become more severe in the future. These impacts include rising sea levels, more extreme weather events, changes in agricultural yields, and loss of biodiversity. Climate change is a serious threat to the planet and its inhabitants, and it is essential that we take action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the impacts of climate change.

There are many reasons why we should care about climate change. First, climate change is a serious threat to the planet and its inhabitants. The impacts of climate change are already being felt around the world, and are expected to become more severe in the future. These impacts include rising sea levels, more extreme weather events, changes in agricultural yields, and loss of biodiversity.

Second, climate change is a threat to human health. Extreme heat events, such as heat waves, can lead to death and illness. Climate change can also lead to an increase in the spread of diseases, such as malaria and dengue fever.

Third, climate change is a threat to the global economy. Climate change can lead to damage to infrastructure, such as roads and bridges. It can also lead to losses in agricultural production and tourism.

Fourth, climate change is a threat to global security. Climate change can lead to conflict over resources, such as water and food. It can also lead to the displacement of people, which can create instability in regions.

Fifth, climate change is a moral issue. We have a moral obligation to protect the planet for future generations. We also have a moral obligation to help those who are most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.

There are many things we can do to address climate change. We can reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and switch to renewable energy sources. We can improve energy efficiency. We can protect forests and oceans. We can support policies that address climate change.

Climate change is a serious problem, but it is not too late to act. We can make a difference if we work together.