Climate change is caused by a gradual increase in global temperatures due to human-caused greenhouse gas emissions like carbon dioxide. This is warming both the atmosphere and oceans, melting polar ice caps and glaciers. The increasing temperatures have led to more powerful hurricanes and rising sea levels which threaten coastal areas with flooding. Many species of plants and animals are having to shift their ranges or face extinction as their habitats change with the climate. The document recommends significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions through use of renewable energy, electrified transportation, ending deforestation and planting trees to mitigate the effects of climate change.