What Is Climate Change?
Climate change means Earth’s weather and temperatures are changing more than usual. Some changes happen naturally, but today, most are caused by things people do.
Causes of Modern Climate Change
When we burn things like coal, oil, and gas for energy, or cut down lots of trees, we put extra gases into the air. These gases trap heat, making the planet warmer. In fact, Earth’s average temperature has increased by 1.1°C since the late 1800s.
Evidence of Climate Change:
- Earth’s average temperature is rising. (See NASA's evidence for climate change)
- Glaciers and polar ice are melting. (See why glaciers and sea ice are melting)
- Sea levels are going up and can flood coasts. (See coastal flooding indicators)
- We see more heatwaves, storms, and wildfires. (See wildfire & climate connection)
- Animals and plants are moving or changing because of the new weather.
