Climate change is when the weather and temperatures change over a long period. This can happen naturally, like when the sun’s activity changes or when there’s a big volcanic eruption. However, since the 1800s, humans have been the main cause of climate change because we burn fossil fuels like coal, oil, and gas.

When we burn these fuels, they release gases called greenhouse gases. These gases act like a blanket around the Earth, trapping heat from the sun and making the planet warmer.

The main greenhouse gases causing climate change are carbon dioxide and methane. Carbon dioxide is released when we drive cars using gasoline or heat buildings with coal. Cutting down trees and clearing land also releases carbon dioxide. Methane comes from farming, oil, and gas activities. The biggest sources of these gases are energy production, industry, transportation, buildings, farming, and how we use our land.