Essential Principles of Climate Science

Climate science research projects for students should be considered within a broad framework of our understanding about Earth's climate system. These seven essential principles are taken from Climate Literacy: The Essential Principles of Climate Sciences, U.S. Global Change Research Program/Climate Change Science Program, Washington, DC. This document can be downloaded from this website or from www.globalchange.gov.
  1. The sun is the primary source of energy for Earth's climate system.
  2. Climate is regulated by complex interactions among components of the Earth system.
  3. Life on Earth depends on, is shaped by, and affects climate.
  4. Climate varies over space and time through both natural and man-made processes.
  5. Our understanding of the climate system is improved through observations, theoretical studies, and modeling.
  6. Human activities are impacting the climate system.
  7. Climate change will have consequences for the Earth system and human lives.