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How to Better Understand the Climate Crisis: Your Questions Answered

The enormity of climate change can be tough for anyone to wrap their mind around. Start here to ground yourself in the science of the challenges ahead—without losing hope.

Alex Dalenberg

Read when you’ve got time to spare.

Understanding the science of the climate crisis is a critical first step in taking effective action. Read on to learn more about why our planet is warming and why it matters how we tell that story. You’ll also find helpful resources for coping with climate anxiety, because hope and resilience may be as essential to the climate struggle as anything.

Find even more environmental action inspiration in our How to Help the Planet collection, with advice on coexisting with creatures, making your wardrobe more sustainable, and more.

Image by Philipp Rohner / 500px/ Getty Images

What Is Climate Change? A Really Simple Guide

World temperatures are rising because of human activity, and climate change now threatens every aspect of human life. Left unchecked, humans and nature will experience catastrophic warming, with worsening droughts, rising sea levels and mass extinction of species. The world faces a huge challenge, but there are potential solutions.

Climate Change from A to Z

The stories we tell ourselves about the future.

This Simple Math Problem Could Be the Key to Solving Our Climate Crisis

It’s our last shot to save the planet, and these are the numbers that could change the end of the story.

All the Ways the Most Common Bit of Climate Misinformation Is Wrong

We've looked at natural cycles and causes. None of them can produce this warming.

These Three Charts Show Who Is Most to Blame for Climate Change

Getting to the bottom of which countries have contributed most to climate change is complicated, but a few pieces of data can help.

‘If You Win the Popular Imagination, You Change the Game’: Why We Need New Stories on Climate

So much is happening, both wonderful and terrible – and it matters how we tell it. We can’t erase the bad news, but to ignore the good is the route to indifference or despair.

Stop Telling Kids They’ll Die From Climate Change

Many young people feel like their future is in peril. To make progress on climate change, we must move past doomsday scenarios.

How to Fight Climate Despair

We’re not powerless, even if it feels that way.

Have More Climate Questions? Get Answers Here.

Climate change is tremendously complex — and we’re here to help. The climate desk at The Times has been collecting reader questions and has started answering them here. Type your question in the search box to see if we’ve covered it yet.

10 Take-Action Ways to Help the Planet

Saving the planet isn’t a one-person job. But there are ways each of us can protect and preserve Earth, from planting native gardens to supporting climate action organizations—and more.