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Climate change (in the context of environmental science)

Definition

Climate change refers to long-term shifts in temperature patterns, precipitation levels, wind patterns, and other aspects of Earth's climate system. These changes are primarily caused by human activities, such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation, which increase greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere.

Analogy

Think of climate change like a fever in our planet. Just as a fever indicates an abnormal increase in body temperature due to underlying health issues, climate change represents an abnormal rise in global temperatures due to human-induced alterations in Earth's natural systems.

Related terms

Greenhouse effect: The greenhouse effect is a natural process that traps heat within Earth's atmosphere. However, human activities have intensified this effect by increasing greenhouse gas emissions, leading to global warming and climate change.

Mitigation: Mitigation refers to actions taken to reduce or prevent the emission of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. It includes measures such as transitioning to renewable energy sources, improving energy efficiency, and implementing sustainable land-use practices.

Adaptation: Adaptation involves adjusting or adapting societal systems and ecosystems to cope with the impacts of climate change. This can include building infrastructure resilient to extreme weather events or developing new agricultural practices suited for changing climatic conditions.