Everyday Science · 45 sec
Climate change
The science behind something you encounter, use, or wonder about.
The useful idea
- Long-term climate
Climate change in a broader sense also includes previous long-term changes to Earth's climate.
- Fuels release gases
Fossil fuel use, deforestation, and some agricultural and industrial practices release greenhouse gases.
- Human activity
The modern-day rise in global temperatures is driven by human activities, especially fossil fuel (coal, oil and natural gas) burning since the Industrial Revolution.
Why this matters
Look for Climate change the next time you notice this pattern in everyday life.
Try this
Look for Climate change the next time you notice this pattern in everyday life.
Test your recall
Which idea belongs to the explanation of Climate change?
- Long-term climate — correct
- Fuels release gases
- Human activity
Climate change in a broader sense also includes previous long-term changes to Earth's climate.