Climate change is a long-term alteration in the statistical properties of the Earth's climate system, which encompasses changes in temperature, precipitation, and other climate indicators. These changes persist for decades or longer and result from both natural and human-induced factors, such as greenhouse gas emissions and changes in land use. This definition is based on the scientific consensus among climate scientists and is widely accepted by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and other scientific bodies.

The Science of Climate Change

The main driver of climate change is the increase in greenhouse gas concentrations in the Earth's atmosphere. These gases, including carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄), and nitrous oxide (N₂O), trap heat from the sun and warm the planet. Human activities, such as burning fossil fuels for energy, deforestation, and agriculture, have significantly increased the levels of these greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, leading to a long-term warming trend.

Tools and Techniques Used in Climate Science

Climate scientists employ a variety of tools and techniques to study climate change, including:

1.Historical Temperature Records: Data from weather stations and historical documents.

2.Satellite Data: Measurements of atmospheric and surface temperatures, sea levels, and ice cover.