Finally, A Simple Guide to Climate Change

By Kylie Wolfe

Climate change is simply the way that Earth’s weather shifts over time. Unlike a rain shower that turns to sun in a matter of hours, climate change is more of a long-term shift. It considers average temperatures and extreme weather across many years.

Terms like global warming or the climate crisis are linked to this idea, too. Global warming refers to the planet heating up, while the climate crisis refers to the issues climate change is causing around the world, like dangerous heatwaves, severe storms, and sweeping wildfires.

Causes and Effects of Climate Change

Although the Earth’s climate has changed over centuries, the warming that’s occurred throughout the most recent hundred years is what’s causing alarm.

Scientists say that climate change is ultimately a result of the greenhouse gas effect—when gases prevent heat from escaping our atmosphere. This heat leads to the planet warming. Unfortunately, greenhouse gases are often released by human activities like:

• Powering cars, planes, and trains
• Keeping factory operations moving
• Clearing trees from forests
• Generating pollution or waste

This issue dates to the Industrial Revolution, a period that shifted society’s focus from agriculture to manufacturing. Throughout the late 1700s and early 1800s, countries in North America and Europe used coal, a carbon-rich fuel, to power factories. When coal is heated, it produces carbon dioxide, one of the main greenhouse gases. Ever since, scientists have noticed an increase in global temperatures and carbon dioxide levels.

As the Earth warms, this change leads to:

• Frequent storms and intense weather
• Melting glaciers and ice sheets, causing sea levels to rise
• Habitat loss on land and at sea

What’s Being Done

In 2015, the Paris agreement was signed by 196 countries. The goal of this agreement is to keep global warming to 34.7°F or lower. For this to occur, greenhouse gas emissions must decline by 43 percent between 2025 and 2030.

To combat climate change, everyone is tasked with taking action. This includes country leaders, as well as businesses and individuals. It means reducing greenhouse gas emissions by addressing the human activities already mentioned, using nature to help absorb carbon, and adapting to the impacts of environmental change.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), for example, plays an important role in establishing regulations, measuring emissions data, conducting research, and encouraging action. But fighting climate change is a group effort, meaning you can also do your part. Whether you use less energy, reduce your food waste, or lower your transportation emissions, you’re contributing to a greener planet.

Facing the Facts

• Since the Industrial Revolution, carbon dioxide levels have increased by about 50 percent.
• Earth’s average temperature has risen 2ºF since 1850.
• 2024 was the warmest year on record.