♻️ap environmental science review

Anthropogenic climate change

Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 examWritten by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025

Definition

Anthropogenic climate change refers to changes in Earth's climate patterns caused by human activities, particularly the emission of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. These emissions trap heat, leading to global warming and various environmental impacts.