1. A climate is determined by averaging temperature, precipitation, and other factors over many years and influences the types of plants and animals and how people live in a particular area. 2. Latitude, proximity to large bodies of water, ocean currents, mountains, and urban environments impact local climates by affecting temperatures and precipitation patterns. 3. Climate changes over short term seasons and long term periods due to factors like the Earth's orientation to the Sun, volcanic eruptions, and human activities like burning fossil fuels.