Closed on Saturday, April 27, 2024
Climate change is the long-term change in average temperature and weather patterns. These changes in temperature and weather patterns can occur naturally but are essentially influenced by human activities, primarily the burning of fossil fuels.
Burning fossil fuels releases more greenhouse gases which trap heat in the Earth’s atmosphere. This causes the Earth’s average surface temperature to rise.
The more greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, the more heat is trapped, and the warmer the planet becomes.
Solar radiation from the sun passes through the atmosphere and warms the Earth's surface. Some of this heat is radiated back into space, but some of it is trapped by greenhouse gases.
The greenhouse effect is a natural process, but human activities, such as burning fossil fuels, are increasing the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.
Explore ways to make a difference on the Living Sustainably page and learn more about climate change on the EPA website.