Weather is what you experience when you step outside on any given day. Climate is the average of the weather patterns in a location over many years. Since the Industrial Revolution, Earth’s climate has changed with average temperature increasing by nearly 2 degrees Fahrenheit. The past decade has had the 10 warmest years in the historical record. That warming trend is largely caused by human activity increasing heat trapping emissions, known as greenhouse gases, in Earth’s atmosphere. While climate change can affect everyone, some people and places will be affected more than others.

As the earth’s climate changes, it is impacting weather across the planet. Climate change increases the number of extreme weather events like heatwaves, heavy precipitation (i.e., rain, snow, sleet and hail), drought and flooding. Climate change projections show continued increases in extreme weather events through the 21st century. More extreme weather can impact human health in serious ways. Helping to reduce climate change and adapt to its impacts are opportunities to improve health. Learn more at the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) Michigan Climate and Health Adaptation Program (MICHAP).