Climate change refers to a long-term change in average weather and weather conditions that determine the Earth’s local and global climate. Climate change is a global problem with far-reaching environmental, social and economic consequences, and its solution requires the coordinated efforts of individuals, communities and governments around the world.

Why is climate change important?

Well, it’s happening. We look at the earth from space and measure it on the ground. And we’re seeing the planet’s climate change. Recent years have been the warmest since modern recording began.

This is serious. Even a small change in temperature can have big consequences. And now we’re seeing some of these effects. Sea level is rising. We’re seeing more extreme events like heat waves, heavy rains, and wildfires. And we know that many of these effects will increase with further warming. These changes affect the decisions some people make every day; for example, a farmer considers what crops to grow or a homeowner considers the risk of flooding.

But there is hope. There are scientists at NASA and around the world researching this. We know more about our planet than ever before and are learning more every day.

Why is climate change important? Because it is happening and we are already feeling its effects all over the world. But there is hope. NASA Chief Scientist and Senior Climate Advisor Dr. Kate Calvin explains how NASA collects data and develops tools that can help us better understand and prepare for climate change.

So we know why the climate is changing. We know this is due to the increase in greenhouse gas emissions from human activities. We also have tools that can help us better understand and prepare for future climate change. That’s why we’re developing computer models to help us understand how this might change in the future. We are also developing technologies that can help us limit future warming or respond to the warming we are experiencing, here at NASA and around the world.