While climate change is discussed as an abstract concept, the reality involves changes in the planet's long term temperature and weather patterns. Over the last century, the Earth's temperature has increased at a rate that cannot be explained by natural sources alone. Scientists state that human activities, and in particular, the burning of fossil fuels (including coal, oil, and natural gas) has been the major cause. The release of greenhouse gases, like carbon dioxide and methane, into the atmosphere through fossil fuel combustion traps heat.

These changes are already noticeable. Globally, temperatures have risen in the recent years, with several being recorded as the hottest in history. Glaciers and ice sheets are shrinking, which has led to an increase in sea levels. The resulting rise in sea level poses a risk to those in coastal communities. The rising sea level can have an impact on natural habitats, human health, water supply, agriculture, and extreme weather events like stronger storms. Climate change is a result of higher temperatures in oceans. This results in more frequent and severe droughts in areas already experiencing a dry climate.

Not every location is equally affected. Some places are in greater danger due to their location, wealth or resources. For example, some nations on small islands may be threatened with flooding in the future, and those in dry environments may experience water shortages. Wealthy countries may be able to adapt more easily to the climate change than poorer countries and this causes questions about how to manage the effects.

It is necessary to both mitigate and adapt to climate change. Reducing the amount of greenhouse gas emissions into the air is the focus of mitigation. To do this, people must switch to alternative forms of energy like wind or solar power, increase efficiency in energy use, and plant or protect forests. The main goal is to increase the carbon dioxide absorbing ability of these plants or avoid the emissions altogether. Adaptation means getting ready for the changes to occur in the future. This can involve protecting coastlines, finding drought resistant crops or developing better early warning and evacuation plans.

It may seem like the scale of the problem is daunting, but there are solutions. As technology develops, it becomes less expensive and easier to switch to cleaner and safer forms of energy. All people (including governments, businesses and individuals) can be responsible for helping to manage future outcomes through legislation and other decisions.

While it may feel like climate change is not an urgent problem, the reality of the issue is felt throughout the ecosystems, economies and communities all over the world. Learning about the effects and causes of the problem is a step towards making decisions that will have a lasting impact in the future.