What is climate change?

The defining characteristic of climate change is the long-term alteration of temperature and typical weather patterns in a place. When we refer to climate change, we're speaking about substantial shifts in climatic conditions, specifically global temperatures and broader weather patterns over extended periods, often spanning decades or centuries. This encompasses the increase in average temperatures caused by various factors including greenhouse gas emissions, as well as changes in precipitation patterns, wind patterns, and other critical aspects of Earth’s climate system.

Minor fluctuations in weather patterns and seasonal changes in temperature do not encapsulate the broader definition of climate change, which is focused on long-term trends rather than short-term variability. Additionally, local temperature increases do not address the global scale of the climate change phenomenon, which includes the effects felt worldwide, making the correct understanding of climate change essential for addressing its impacts effectively.