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Climate change

Definition

Climate change refers to long-term shifts in temperature, precipitation patterns, wind patterns, or other aspects of Earth's climate system. It can occur naturally or be influenced by human activities.

Analogy

Think about your favorite playlist on shuffle mode – sometimes you get unexpected changes in the songs' order or genres. Climate change is like that, but instead of songs, it's the patterns and behaviors of Earth's weather and climate.

Related terms

Greenhouse effect: The trapping of heat in the atmosphere by certain gases, such as carbon dioxide, leading to increased global temperatures.

Global warming: The long-term increase in Earth's average surface temperature primarily caused by human activities.

Mitigation strategies: Actions taken to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and minimize the impact of climate change.

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AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.