Climate, its factors and climate change

In recent years Earth’s climate has been changing fast. One main cause is burning fuels such as gas, coal, petrol and kerosene: when they burn they release carbon dioxide. Excess carbon dioxide and other “greenhouse gases” in the atmosphere hold back heat radiated from the surface (the greenhouse effect), so the average temperature rises – global warming. Scientists estimate that Earth’s average temperature has risen by about 1.1 °C since 1850–1900. Consequences: melting of mountain and polar glaciers, rising sea level, drought, floods, storms and forest fires, loss of some plant and animal species, damage to crops and harm to human health (for example blood pressure, heat stroke). Ways to reduce it: save energy, use solar, wind and water power, plant trees, protect forests and limit harmful emissions.