Fiveable
Fiveable

Climate Change

Definition

Climate change refers to long-term shifts in weather patterns, including temperature, precipitation, and wind. It is primarily caused by human activities, such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation, leading to increased levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.

Analogy

Imagine climate change as a thermostat that controls the Earth's temperature. When we continuously crank up the heat by releasing greenhouse gases into the air, it disrupts the delicate balance of our planet's climate system.

Related terms

Greenhouse Effect: The natural process where certain gases trap heat from the sun within Earth's atmosphere.

Carbon Footprint: The total amount of greenhouse gas emissions produced directly or indirectly by an individual, organization, or product.

Renewable Energy: Sources of energy that can be replenished naturally over time without depleting resources or causing harm to the environment.

collegeable - rocket pep

Are you a college student?

  • Study guides for the entire semester

  • 200k practice questions

  • Glossary of 50k key terms - memorize important vocab



© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.

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


© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.

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