Earth Matters

What is Climate Change? Climate change refers to the long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns on Earth. These changes can be natural, like variations in the solar cycle, but in recent centuries, human activities have been the main driver of climate change. The burning of fossil fuels, such as coal, oil, and gas, releases large amounts of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. These gases, like carbon dioxide, trap heat and cause the Earth's temperature to rise, leading to global warming.  As the planet gets warmer, we see significant changes in the environment. Glaciers and polar ice caps are melting, which causes sea levels to rise. Extreme weather events like hurricanes, floods, and droughts are becoming more frequent and intense. Forests are shrinking due to deforestation and wildfires, while many species of animals and plants are at risk of extinction because their habitats are disappearing. Climate change affects not only the environment but also people’s health, f...