Climate change is a long-term shift in global or regional climate patterns. Often climate change refers specifically to the rise in global temperatures from the mid-20th century to the present.
Climate is the average weather in a place over many years. Climate change is a shift in those average conditions.
The Earth is now in a period of rapid climate change, with global temperatures rising because of human activities, such as the burning of coal, oil, and gas.
BRAZIL - The secretary general of the United Nations has warned that humanity must 'change course now' after failing to limit global heating to 1.5 degrees Celsius. Speaking before next month's COP30 climate summit in Brazil, António Guterres said that overshooting the target set in the Paris climate agreement is 'inevitable'. He warns that the consequences of this
NEW YORK - In the face of unprecedented and rapid environmental changes in Antarctica, scientists are urgently calling for immediate global action to mitigate potentially irreversible impacts on the planet's climate and ecosystems. Antarctica, long considered a remote and stable expanse of ice, is undergoing rapid changes with far-reaching implications for the planet. Recent research
ANTARCTICA - The Thwaites Glacier in West Antarctica is nearly 80 miles wide, making it the largest glacier in the world by width. If it collapses entirely, the resulting changes could raise global sea levels. Scientists are racing to understand the forces at work before it’s too late. To better understand how this could unfold,
STOCKHOLM, Sweden - Greenland's second-largest ice shelf, the Petermann, is melting faster than expected — and not for the reason scientists initially thought. What's happening? A new study published in Nature Communications revealed that warm ocean water isn't the only factor speeding up ice loss, as summarized in a Stockholm University report. Based on models supported by
Coastal communities around the globe are at a greater risk than ever after a grim new study offered insight into the continued loss of the polar ice sheets. What's happening? A team of researchers has examined the correlation between the rise in global temperature and the current rate of sea-level rise. According to the study published in Communications Earth &
LONDON - Researchers warn that if the Union Glacier in Antarctica region melts, the world could be facing a crucial tipping point. Scientists have predicted that, if the planet continues down this path, sea levels by 2100 could be at least 1.4 feet higher and up to 6.6 feet higher. That could wipe out entire
NEW YORK - One of our planet's fascinating wonders is permafrost, which is soil that is perpetually frozen. However, as global temperatures climb higher, that layer — and the people living above it — are in trouble. What's happening? This unique ground feature preserves organisms from hundreds of thousands of years ago and forms the foundation of many
NEW YORK - Scientists sound the alarm as new study predicts dire consequences of human activity: 'The power to wipe out entire landscapes. Our overheating planet may cross a dangerous threshold in the coming years, with one new study warning that the Arctic may be "transformed beyond contemporary recognition" if warming continues as expected. What's happening?
DETROIT - An alarming map has shown several coastal US cities that are predicted to be underwater due to rising sea levels by 2100 if global temperatures continue to increase. The interactive mapping tool by research group Climate Central reveals how different warming scenarios will affect sea level rise in the coming decades. It projects that if global
GRAND RAPIDS - Join the West Michigan Sustainable Business Forum for an insightful webinar that explores how climate change is reshaping the Great Lakes region, focusing on the impacts of rising water temperatures and increased heat. Experts will discuss the environmental and public health challenges, including threats to aquatic ecosystems, increased heat stress, and risks
