Climate change refers to long-term shifts in the Earth’s climate patterns, predominantly characterized by shifts in temperature, precipitation, and atmospheric conditions. It is regarded as the consequence of global warming -a term originating in the 1950s- denoting a prolonged increase in the Earth’s average atmospheric temperature. Climate change encompasses a broader range, including not only global warming but also the various impacts resulting from escalating levels of greenhouse gases.

These changes result from various natural and anthropogenic factors, with human activities significantly contributing to the acceleration of global warming. The combustion of fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial processes release greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide and methane into the atmosphere, trapping heat and causing a gradual rise in the planet’s average temperature. The consequences of climate change include rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and disruptions to ecosystems, impacting both the environment and human societies. Mitigating the effects of climate change requires coordinated global efforts to reduce carbon emissions and adopt resilient strategies for adapting to the evolving climatic conditions.