Climate change refers to long-term shifts in Earth's climate patterns, including changes in temperature, precipitation, wind patterns, and other indicators, often resulting from human activities such as burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial processes. While global warming specifically refers to the increase in Earth's average surface temperature, climate change encompasses broader shifts in climatic conditions and their impacts on ecosystems, weather patterns, and human societies.

The primary driver of current climate change is the release of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O) into the atmosphere. These gases trap heat and contribute to the warming of the planet, leading to a wide range of consequences, including more frequent and severe extreme weather events, sea level rise, shifts in agricultural productivity, disruptions to ecosystems and biodiversity, and threats to human health and well-being.

Addressing climate change requires Global warming cooperation and concerted efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, transition to renewable energy sources, increase energy efficiency, promote sustainable land use practices, and adapt to the changes already underway. Many countries and organizations are working to mitigate and adapt to climate change through policies, investments, technological innovations, and public awareness campaigns.