Question

lick to review the online content. Then answer the question(s) below, using complete sentences. Scroll down to view additional questions.
Online Content: Site 1

Explain the relationship between humans and climate. (Site 1)

Answer 1

Humans both affect and are affected by Earth’s climate. Human activities such as burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and certain agricultural practices release greenhouse gases and change land surfaces, which increases global temperatures and alters climate patterns. In turn, changes in climate — including more frequent heat waves, shifting precipitation, sea level rise, and stronger storms — impact human health, food and water supplies, infrastructure, economies, and where people can live. There are feedbacks and regional differences: some human actions (for example, aerosol pollution or large-scale irrigation) can change local climates, and the people who have contributed least to greenhouse gas emissions often suffer the greatest harms. To reduce future impacts, societies pursue mitigation (reducing emissions) and adaptation (preparing for changes) through policies, technology, and changes in land use and behavior.