What does climate change refer to?

Climate change refers to long-term alterations in temperature and typical weather patterns in a specific area. This understanding highlights that climate change involves significant shifts over extended periods, affecting global temperatures, weather events, and ecological systems.

Unlike short-term variations, which may encompass daily or weekly weather fluctuations, climate change examines trends and changes occurring over decades or centuries. This encompasses the gradual increase in average global temperatures, shifts in precipitation patterns, melting of ice caps, and the increased frequency of extreme weather events.

Seasonal changes in precipitation are part of normal climatic cycles and do not reflect the broader, more extensive trends indicated by climate change. Immediate effects of pollution pertain more to localized weather disruptions rather than the overarching, extensive impact that defines climate change globally. Understanding this nuanced distinction is crucial for recognizing the broader implications and urgency of addressing climate change.