Weather describes short-term conditions in the atmosphere, like today's temperature or whether it will rain this afternoon. Climate, on the other hand, describes the average weather patterns of a region over many years, including typical temperatures and rainfall across the seasons.
Earth's climate has changed naturally throughout its history, but scientists have measured a rapid rise in global average temperatures over the past century, largely driven by human activities. Burning fossil fuels releases greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, which trap heat in the atmosphere similar to how a greenhouse traps warmth.
Climate change has wide-reaching effects, including melting ice caps, rising sea levels, and more frequent extreme weather events. Scientists and communities around the world are working on solutions such as renewable energy, reforestation, and reducing emissions to help slow these changes.