Weather Things: Climate Defined

Climate is the average type of weather that a region has. It is defined by temperature and moisture. Proximity to oceans and large mountain ranges defines climate too, depending upon the prevailing wind. While climates change over centuries, the use and burning of fossil fuels by humans is leading to a warmer atmosphere which allows more water vapor to float in air and further warm land, air and oceans. While societies need to adjust for a warmer planet, with higher sea levels, and shifting weather patterns, societies and individuals must also decide on how to limit or reduce greenhouse gas emissions, largely from energy use.