Weather refers to short-term atmospheric conditions in a specific place at a specific time, such as a heavy snowfall in Philadelphia. Climate, on the other hand, refers to the long-term average of weather patterns over an extended period, typically at least 30 years. A single snowy season in Philly does not contradict the trend of global warming; in fact, climate change can lead to more extreme weather events, including heavier snowfalls in certain regions due to the increased moisture in the atmosphere as the air warms. The scientific consensus is clear: climate change is predominantly caused by human activities, particularly the burning of fossil fuels, which releases greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. These gases trap heat from the sun, leading to the greenhouse effect and a warming world. This warming is happening at an unprecedented rate since the pre-industrial era.
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