21.9 Earth's Climate System
Earth's climate system is a long-term pattern of temperature, rainfall, wind, and other weather conditions in a region. It affects all living things and natural systems on our planet. The climate is shaped by natural factors, like the Sun and ocean currents, and human activities, such as burning fossil fuels and cutting down forests. Understanding the climate of Earth helps us to prepare for and to reduce the impacts of climate change. The climate system of Earth is made up of five components which include atmosphere (air), the hydrosphere (water), the cryosphere (ice and permafrost), the lithosphere (Earth's upper rocky layer) and the biosphere (living things). These components work together and affect each other. Changes in one part can cause changes in the others. The components of Earth's climate system and their interactions is schematically shown in Fig. 21.10.
(Fig. 21.10: Components of Earth's climate system and their interactions)