Climate change is real and it's getting worse. Global temperature averages are creeping upward, seas are warming, rising and becoming more acidic, and extreme weather events such as droughts, wildfires, floods and powerful storms are becoming more common. The threat is so great that humanity must act now to defuse what United Nations scientists call a "climate time bomb" which, if ignored, will yield "untold suffering."
At Live Science, our expert writers and editors cover the impact of global warming, and the measures that scientists, world leaders and innovators are taking to reduce our harmful impact on the planet, with the latest climate change news, features and articles.
Discover more about climate change
—What is climate change, and how is it affecting Earth?
Latest about Climate Change
Global carbon emissions reach new record high in 2024, with no end in sight, scientists say
There is a 50% chance that global warming will consistently exceed 1.5 degrees Celsius in the next six years, according to a new report.
Microplastics may be entering the clouds and affecting the weather, scientists say
Clouds affect Earth's weather and climate in many ways. New research suggests that the presence of microplastic particles could alter these processes.
'We are teetering on a planetary tightrope': Cut emissions in half right now to prevent climate catastrophe, UN warns
A new U.N. report has found the world will warm by twice the 1.5-degree-Celsius target adopted in the Paris Agreement by 2100 if countries fail to slash greenhouse gas emissions right now.
Fool's Gold is driving a new accelerating climate feedback loop in Canada
A hut sits at an altidue of 1,800 meters near the Mackenzie Mountains in Yukon, Canada.
30 years of polar climate data converted into menacing, 6-minute song
Geoenvironmental scientist Hiroto Nagai used publicly available climate data from the North and South poles to compose an ominous-sounding chamber music piece.
'Precipitation, the source of all fresh water, can no longer be relied upon': Global water cycle pushed out of balance 'for 1st time in human history'
Residents of Snjay Camp in New Delhi fill plastic containers with water from a tanker in June 2026. Severe heatwaves mean that some areas of India's capital experience water shortages in the summer.
Ancient piece of driftwood hidden for thousands of years could hold secrets for combating climate change
A 3,775-year-old log found in Canada had barely lost any of its carbon content since being buried, indicating "wood vaulting" is a viable means of carbon storage.
32 weird ways to fight climate change that just might work
From "MooLoos" to painting mountains, these silly scientific suggestions could actually help with climate change.
Drinking wastewater, building an island from scratch and creating an urban forest: 3 bold ways cities are already adapting to climate change
Climate change will fundamentally challenge the world's urban centers. Three cities — San Diego, Milan and Jakarta — offer lessons for how to adapt to a warming planet.
