Climate is the long-term pattern of weather conditions in a particular area, including temperature, precipitation, and wind. It is influenced by various factors such as latitude, altitude, and proximity to water bodies.
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Climate differs from weather in that it describes long-term trends rather than short-term changes.
The Earth's tilt and orbit around the sun are primary factors affecting climate patterns.
Climate zones are broadly categorized into tropical, temperate, and polar regions based on their characteristics.
Human activities, particularly the emission of greenhouse gases, have significantly altered global climate patterns.
Climate change can lead to severe ecological impacts including loss of biodiversity and altered ecosystem services.
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Related terms
Weather: The short-term state of the atmosphere at a given place and time, including temperature, humidity, precipitation, wind, and visibility
Greenhouse Gases: Gases such as carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4) that trap heat in the Earth's atmosphere, contributing to global warming
Ecosystem Services: Benefits provided by ecosystems that contribute to making human life both possible and worth living