Climate change has been significantly affecting the planet over the years in the following ways:

1. Rising Temperatures:
   • Global average temperatures have been steadily increasing since the late 19th century, with the last decade (2011-2020) being the warmest on record.
   • The rate of warming has accelerated, with the 2010s being the hottest decade ever recorded.
   • Warming is more pronounced in certain regions, such as the Arctic, which is warming more than twice as fast as the global average.
2. Melting Ice and Sea Level Rise:
   • Arctic sea ice extent has declined rapidly, with the Arctic region experiencing significant ice loss.
   • Glaciers around the world have been retreating and losing mass at an accelerated pace, particularly in mountain regions.
   • The Greenland and Antarctic ice sheets have been experiencing significant melt and mass loss, contributing to the rise in global average sea levels.
   • Global average sea levels have risen by about 8-9 inches (21-24 cm) since 1900, with the rate of rise accelerating in recent decades.
3. Extreme Weather Events:
   • The frequency, intensity, and duration of extreme weather events, such as heatwaves, droughts, wildfires, floods, and hurricanes, have increased significantly in many regions.
   • These extreme events have caused significant damage, disruption, and loss of life in affected communities.
4. Shifts in Precipitation Patterns:
   • Climate change is altering precipitation patterns, leading to changes in the frequency, intensity, and distribution of rainfall and snowfall around the world.
   • Some regions are experiencing more frequent and severe droughts, while others are seeing an increase in heavy precipitation events and flooding.
5. Ecosystem and Biodiversity Impacts:
   • Climate change is causing significant disruptions to natural ecosystems, leading to the loss of biodiversity, habitat degradation, and the displacement or extinction of many species.
   • Coral reefs, tropical forests, Arctic tundra, and other sensitive ecosystems are particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change.
6. Socioeconomic Consequences:
   • The impacts of climate change are having far-reaching socioeconomic consequences, including threats to food and water security, human health, infrastructure, and economic stability.
   • These effects disproportionately impact vulnerable communities and developing countries.