Learn About the Climate Crisis

Climate change is generally defined as a significant variation of average weather conditions—say, conditions becoming warmer, wetter, or drier—over several decades or more. It’s the longer-term trend that differentiates climate change from natural weather variability.

The mechanics of the earth’s climate system are simple. When energy from the sun is reflected off the earth and back into space (mostly by clouds and ice), or when the earth’s atmosphere releases energy, the planet cools. When the earth absorbs the sun’s energy, or when atmospheric gases prevent heat released by the earth from radiating into space (the greenhouse effect), the planet warms. A variety of factors, both natural and human, can influence the earth’s climate system.

Climate change affects everything, from the places we live to the water we drink to the air we breathe. And although it affects everyone in some way, its most negative impacts are disproportionately felt by women, children, people of color, Indigenous communities, and the economically marginalized. Climate change is a human rights issue.

We now know exactly what it will take to win the fight against climate change, and we’re making measurable, meaningful progress. Game-changing developments in clean energy, electric vehicle technology, and energy efficiency are emerging every single day.

Tackling our climate crisis depends on the efforts of everyone—nations, communities, companies, and individuals. Here are some ways that you can make a difference: