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.
- The sun is the primary source of energy for Earth's climate system.
- Climate is regulated by complex interactions among components of the Earth system.
- Life on Earth depends on, is shaped by, and affects climate.
- Climate varies over space and time through both natural and man-made processes.
- Our understanding of the climate system is improved through observations,
theoretical studies, and modeling.
- Human activities are impacting the climate system.
- Climate change will have consequences for the Earth system and human lives.