What it is
Climate change is the long-term alteration of Earth’s climate system, primarily driven by increased greenhouse gas emissions from human activity.
How it works
Earth naturally traps heat in the atmosphere using greenhouse gases such as:
- Carbon dioxide (CO₂)
- Methane (CH₄)
- Nitrous oxide (N₂O)
Human activity increases these gases, strengthening the atmosphere’s ability to retain heat.
This leads to a gradual but persistent warming imbalance.
Why it matters
Climate change affects multiple interconnected systems, including:
- Weather patterns and seasonal shifts
- Sea level rise
- Agricultural productivity
- Frequency and intensity of extreme weather events
- Ecosystem stability and biodiversity
It is not a single change; it is a system-wide shift.
Analogy
Think of Earth’s atmosphere like a blanket.
A thicker blanket traps more heat.
More greenhouse gases = A thicker blanket = More heat retained.
