Weather refers to short-term atmospheric conditions like wind, temperature, and moisture. Climate describes prevailing weather patterns over longer periods of years. Both weather and climate can be affected by human-caused greenhouse gas emissions, which are raising global temperatures and melting ice caps. This impacts ecosystems as some species lose habitats or see populations decline, like polar bears, turtles, and migratory birds. Climate change also threatens human health and livelihoods through rising temperatures and effects on food production.