This article provides background science content knowledge for understanding Essential Principle 1: the Sun is the primary source of energy for Earth’s climate system.
Climate: A Complex Interaction
This article provides background science content knowledge for understanding Essential Principle 2: Climate is regulated by complex interactions among components of the Earth system.
The Biosphere/Climate Connection
This article provides science content knowledge for understanding Essential Principle 3 of Climate Sciences: Life on Earth depends on, is shaped by, and affects climate. The essence of this principle is that life affects climate and in turn, the climate dictates where and how species can survive.
Earth’s Changing Climate: Natural Variation and Human Impact
This article provides background science content knowledge for understanding Essential Principle 4: Climate varies over space and time through both natural and man-made processes.
Earth’s Changing Climate: How Do We Know What We Know?
This article provides background science content knowledge for understanding Essential Principle 5: Our understanding of the climate system is improved through observations, theoretical studies, and modeling.
Humans: A Force of Nature
This article provides background science content knowledge for understanding Essential Principle 6: Human activities are impacting the climate system which describes the causes and effects of human-induced climate change.
Climate Change: Consequences and Repercussions
This article provides background science content knowledge for understanding Essential Principle 7: Climate change will have consequences for the Earth system and human lives.
