Climate change is one of the most pressing issues of our time. But what exactly does "climate change" mean and why should we be concerned with it? In this article, we give you an overview of what this term means and what impact it has on us.

In short, climate change refers to the change in the Earth's climate, which is primarily driven by human activity. Climate describes the long-term weather patterns in a region - not just whether it rains today or tomorrow, but how temperatures develop over years and decades. Climate change means that this long-term pattern is changing, in the direction of warmer temperatures and more extreme weather events.

The human influence on climate change is mainly due to the emission of greenhouse gases such as CO2 (carbon dioxide) and methane. These gases accumulate in the atmosphere and cause the earth to store more heat - an effect known as the "greenhouse effect". Although the natural greenhouse effect has always existed, the human contribution has significantly increased it, primarily through the burning of fossil fuels such as coal, oil and gas, but also through agriculture and deforestation.

The consequences of climate change are manifold and affect us all. Rising temperatures are melting glaciers and ice sheets, causing sea levels to rise. Extreme weather phenomena such as heatwaves, floods and droughts are on the rise and can have devastating effects on ecosystems, agriculture and people's quality of life. Already vulnerable regions and societies, which often do not have the means to adapt or protect themselves, are particularly affected.

So what can you do to counteract climate change? One important step is to reduce your own carbon footprint. This includes switching to renewable energies, switching to environmentally friendly alternatives such as cycling or public transport and reducing your consumption of meat and other resource-intensive products. Awareness of sustainable consumption and recycling also plays an important role.

Climate change is a complex and global problem, but each of us can make a contribution. By informing ourselves, adapting our behavior and getting involved in climate action, we can slow down the negative effects and ensure a future worth living for generations to come.