Anthropogenic climate change

Definition

Anthropogenic climate change refers to changes in Earth's climate patterns caused by human activities, particularly the emission of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. These emissions trap heat, leading to global warming and various environmental impacts.

Analogy

Imagine a blanket covering your body on a cold winter night. The more blankets you add, the warmer you become. Similarly, human activities release greenhouse gases that act like blankets around the Earth, trapping heat and causing temperatures to rise.

Related terms

Greenhouse effect: The greenhouse effect is the natural process by which certain gases in the atmosphere trap heat from the sun, keeping Earth warm enough to support life.

Mitigation: Mitigation refers to efforts aimed at reducing or preventing greenhouse gas emissions to lessen the severity of climate change.

Adaptation: Adaptation involves adjusting or changing practices and behaviors in response to the impacts of climate change in order to minimize negative effects on ecosystems and societies.