Climate change, the periodic modification of Earth's climate caused by atmospheric changes and the atmosphere's interactions with geologic, chemical, biological, and geographic factors. Loosely defined, climate is the average weather at a distinct place that incorporates temperature, precipitation, and other features. The Short Answer: Climate change describes a change in the average conditions — such as temperature and rainfall — in a region over a long period of time. NASA scientists have observed Earth's surface is warming, and many of the warmest years on record have happened in the past 20 years. Causes and Effects of Climate Change. Fossil fuels - coal, oil and gas - are by far the largest contributor to global climate change, accounting for over 75 per cent of global greenhouse 1. Scientific information taken from natural sources (such as ice cores, rocks, and tree rings) and from modern equipment (like satellites and instruments) all show the signs of a changing climate. From global temperature rise to melting ice sheets, the evidence of a warming planet abounds. En español. Climate change refers to changes in weather patterns and growing seasons around the world. It also refers to sea level rise caused by the expansion of warmer seas and melting ice sheets and glaciers. Global warming causes climate change, which poses a serious threat to life on Earth in the forms of widespread flooding and extreme weather. Climate change (or global warming), is the process of our planet heating up. Scientists estimate that since the Industrial Revolution, human activity has caused the Earth to warm by approximately 1°C. While that might not sound like much, it means big things for people and wildlife around the globe. Effects of global warming. The signs of global warming are everywhere, and are more complex than just climbing temperatures. 2:49. CAUSES AND EFFECTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE. What causes climate Climate change is a long-term change in the average weather patterns that have come to define Earth's local, regional and global climates. These changes have a broad range of observed effects that are synonymous with the term. What We Know About Climate Change | MIT Climate Portal. New to Climate Change? Visit the MIT Climate Primer. What We Know About Climate Change. The Earth's climate is changing faster today than ever before in the history of our species - and human actions are the main reason why. The Science. 3OOKQ.