Climate science studies the Earth's atmosphere, oceans, and land surface to understand long-term weather patterns. Human activities, particularly the burning of fossil fuels, have dramatically increased the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide trap heat and raise global temperatures, leading to climate change. Scientists use sophisticated computer models to predict future climate scenarios under different emissions pathways. Rising sea levels threaten coastal communities, while changing precipitation patterns affect agriculture worldwide. International agreements like the Paris Agreement aim to limit global warming to below two degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.