Climate change refers to long-term shifts in temperature, rainfall, sea levels, and weather patterns. Current global warming is strongly linked to human greenhouse gas emissions.
Greenhouse gases
Carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide trap heat in the atmosphere. Their rising concentration changes Earth's energy balance and increases average global temperatures.
Impacts
Common impacts include heat waves, sea-level rise, glacier loss, stronger rainfall events, ecosystem stress, crop pressure, and public health risks.
Mitigation and adaptation
Mitigation reduces emissions through cleaner energy, efficiency, transport changes, land-use protection, and industrial improvements. Adaptation prepares communities for effects that cannot be avoided.