Changes in climate, the normal weather conditions for an area or region, affect the frequency and severity of extreme weather events. Studies have shown increases in weather events are greatly impacted by global warming. Variables causing global temperature changes are solar radiation, greenhouse gases and the Earth’s orbit.

Solar radiation and the Earth’s orbit have always been present effecting climate and the weather. The Earth’s orbit gives us the seasons with the extremes being summer and winter. Solar radiation output varies which also contributes to climate change. Monitoring solar radiation has shown when there is an increase in sun spots global warming results. A decrease in sun spots results in the cooling of the earth.

Gases present in the atmosphere prevent heat from escaping into space. Not enough gases would result in a very cold planet. Too much would result in an extremely hot planet also known as the greenhouse effect. These extremes will not allow life on Earth. Increasing the concentration of greenhouse gases will affect and causes global warming. We must consider the effects of emissions, or man-made gases, on the concentration of greenhouse gases in our present climate.

The earth’s temperature has increased and decreased to extremes of glaciation and deglaciation as normal climate and weather changes. Evidence shows a rise in global temperatures will effect the duration, intensity and frequency of weather extremes.  Steps need to be taken to minimize man-made interference with normal climate and changing weather. This will result in less loss of life, possessions and possibly reduce extreme weather events.