Climate change refers to any shift in temperature, precipitation or wind. The change can be of short duration, but more commonly refers to long-term shifts that may persist for decades or longer. Historically, climate has changed gradually over thousands of years. However, recent changes have been abrupt and tied to anthropogenic factors, including deforestation and industrialization. Most noticeably has been the increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide (C0_2) levels brought about by both deforestationand the burning of fossil fuels. Prior to industrialization, atmospheric C0_2 were stable at about 280 ppm. Recently, C0_2 levels reached 400 ppm for the first time in modern history.
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