Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Climate change encompasses the significant alterations in global temperatures and weather patterns over time. While some variability is natural, human activities have accelerated these changes, particularly through the emission of greenhouse gases.
Related terms
Greenhouse Gases: Gases that trap heat in the atmosphere, contributing to the warming of Earth's surface.
The increase in Earth’s average surface temperature due to rising levels of greenhouse gases.
Carbon Footprint: The total amount of greenhouse gases produced to directly and indirectly support human activities, usually expressed in equivalent tons of carbon dioxide (CO2)