Climate refers to the long-term average of weather patterns in a specific area, typically measured over a period of 30 years or more, and represents the overall state of the climate system. Unlike weather, which includes short-term atmospheric conditions like temperature, humidity, and precipitation that can change minute-to-minute or day-to-day, climate provides an expectation of what typical weather conditions are like in a region over extended periods. Human activities, especially during the industrial age and the past century, have significantly altered the planet’s climate by releasing harmful greenhouse gases. These anthropogenic emissions intensify the greenhouse effect, leading to changes in global and regional climate patterns such as rising temperatures, shifting precipitation trends, and increased frequency of extreme weather events. Monitoring climate provides essential insights for understanding environmental changes and for planning adaptation and mitigation strategies to reduce the risks and impacts associated with climate change.
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