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Climate Change
Hurricanes are extreme weather events that can cause death and destruction. They produce high winds, heavy rains, thunderstorms, and often flooding. Scientists believe that climate change is responsible for the increasing number of weather-related natural disasters we are seeing today.
The Earth’s climate is always changing. Changes from natural causes are usually more gradual. Some human activities, however, are speeding things up. Burning fossil fuels like oil, for example, upsets the balance of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Scientists know that these imbalances affect global warming by increasing the Earth’s temperature. With global warming, we can expect more severe weather patterns including heat waves, hurricanes, floods, and drought. Such events can increase health risks, cripple economies, destroy habitats, and affect our quality of life.
At this site, discover how climate change is part of the delicate web of life on Earth. Play interactive games, watch kid-created videos, and read true stories about climate change. Find out how we can safeguard the planet as individuals and at the community, state, and national levels.
Explore these climate change topics:
- What is climate change?
- Causes: greenhouse gases
- Impact on weather
- Health Effects
- Take Action
A Student's Guide to Global Climate Change
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Did You Know?
Since 1750, atmospheric concentrations of CO2, CH4 and N2O have increased by over 36 percent, 148 percent and 18 percent, respectively. Scientists have concluded that this is due primarily to human activity. – US Environmental Protection Agency
Since 1750, atmospheric concentrations of CO2, CH4 and N2O have increased by over 36 percent, 148 percent and 18 percent, respectively. Scientists have concluded that this is due primarily to human activity. – US Environmental Protection Agency