Warm near the equator and cold at the poles, our planet is able to support a variety of living things because of its diverse regional climates. The average of all these regions makes up Earth's global climate.

Climate is warming as natural processes like the greenhouse effect are influenced by changes caused by humans.

Climate has cooled and warmed throughout Earth history for various reasons. Yet, rapid warming like we see today is unusual in the history of our planet.

What Is Climate?
What Controls the Climate System?
Climates of the Past (Paleoclimates)
Effects of Climate Change Today
Climate Change in Polar Regions
Modeling Future Climate
The Role of Clouds in Climate
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
Tackling the Global Warming Challenge
El Niño and Other Climate Events
Climate in the News
Climate Games and Activities
Climate Image and Multimedia Gallery
Climate Web