Light

Global Climate Change

Definition

Global climate change refers to long-term shifts in temperature and weather patterns on Earth due to human activities, primarily the emission of greenhouse gases. These changes result in a variety of environmental impacts such as rising sea levels, heatwaves, extreme weather events, and disruption of ecosystems.

Analogy

Think of global climate change like a thermostat gone haywire in a house. When someone constantly adjusts the temperature without considering the consequences, it can lead to an uncomfortable living environment with unpredictable fluctuations in temperature.

Related terms

Greenhouse Effect: The process by which certain gases (such as carbon dioxide) trap heat from the sun within Earth's atmosphere, contributing to global warming.

Carbon Footprint: The total amount of greenhouse gases released directly or indirectly through human activities.

Mitigation: Actions taken to reduce or eliminate the causes of climate change, such as transitioning to renewable energy sources or implementing energy-efficient technologies.