The climate of an area is the typical weather patterns it experiences.

Some of the most important and frequently measured aspects of climate are air temperature, humidity, wind, and precipitation levels.  Changes in these components of climate occur as atmospheric redistribution of energy takes place.

In the course of the earth's history, the climate has been heavily transformed.  Causes of major historical change include different levels of solar energy input, geographic changes, and the earth's reflectivity.

The primary determinant of climate is solar energy, which reaches the earth in radiation waves.  Solar energy levels affect air, land and water temperatures, evaporate or freeze water, and create wind through changing atmospheric pressure.  Eventually, most energy the earth receives is sent back out again.

The earth's albedo, or reflectivity, determines how much solar energy it will absorb.  Forests tend to absorb a large amount, while deserts absorb considerably less.

Other major factors include the terrestrial geography of the planet, atmospheric conditions, and human impact through production of gases.

In reality, there are countless factors in environmental change.  The climate is sometimes said to be equivalent to chaos, where so many independent variables make predicting climate patterns impossible.

Many studies have shown that humans are increasing global warming and doing other things to disturb the natural environment.  The effects of this could be highly adverse to ecosystems and other living creatures.