Climate and the Effects of Global Climate Change

Climate refers to long-term, predictable atmospheric conditions, while weather refers to atmospheric conditions during a short period of time.

Global climate change is cyclical and happens naturally; however, modern human society's impact has had unprecedented negative effects.

Global climate change can be understood by analyzing past historical climate data, such as atmospheric CO₂ concentrations in ice cores.

Results of climate change, past and present, have been documented and include species extinction, rising sea levels, and effects on organisms.