Climate and weather are often confused, but they differ in their temporal scales. While weather can fluctuate day to day or year to year, climate represents long-term patterns. It encompasses seasonal averages of temperature, rainfall, and wind over an extended period. Diverse climates exist globally, from arid deserts with minimal precipitation to tropical zones characterized by heat and humidity, and temperate regions experiencing distinct seasons.

Climate change refers to the extended alteration of temperature and typical weather patterns. It can be specific to a location or pertain to the entire planet. The unpredictability resulting from climate change complicates agricultural practices, as traditional expectations for temperature and rainfall become unreliable. Additionally, climate change is linked to an increase in severe weather events such as hurricanes, floods, heavy rainfall, and winter storms.

In polar regions, global warming intensifies due to climate change, accelerating the melting of ice sheets and glaciers. This contributes to rising sea levels, affecting coastlines worldwide. The combination of melting ice and expanding ocean waters results in increased flooding and erosion, posing threats to coastal communities.

Human activities, particularly the burning of fossil fuels like natural gas, oil, and coal, are the primary contributors to current climate change. The combustion of these fuels’ releases greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, trapping heat and causing Earth's average temperature to rise—a phenomenon known as global warming. While natural climate changes occur gradually over thousands of years, human-induced climate change is happening at an unprecedented pace.

The consequences of this accelerated climate change are far-reaching. It impacts ecosystems, disrupts weather patterns, and poses challenges to agriculture and coastal regions. Recognizing the human role in climate change is a crucial step toward implementing sustainable practices, transitioning to cleaner energy sources, and mitigating the adverse effects on our planet. As we navigate this rapidly changing climate, collective efforts are essential to foster a more resilient and environmentally conscious future.