The concept of climate change

The concept of climate change

Climate is the average weather conditions of a place observed and recorded over a long period of time, usually 30 years or more.

For example, temperature and rainfall are important elements of climate. If an area is known to have an average temperature of 25°C and an average annual rainfall of 1,000 mm, it means those conditions are average records of 30 years or more. If the average conditions change significantly after the period of 30 years or more, then the condition can be termed as climate change.

The climate of any place on the Earth's surface is affected by the following major factors

1. Latitude: This is the distance from the equator. Areas that are close to the equator receive higher amounts of sunshine than areas that are far from the equator. Thus, these areas experience higher temperatures and rainfall than areas that are far from the equator, such as the North and South Poles.

2. Elevation (altitude): Areas at high altitudes above sea level such as Kilimanjaro, Arusha, Iringa and Njombe are normally cold and receive high amounts of rainfall. As the altitude increases, temperature decreases. Areas at lower elevations such as Dar es Salaam, Tanga and Mtwara have higher temperatures.

3. Topography (relief): This is the shape and features of an area such as mountains and valleys. Mountainous areas, such as Usambara, affect wind and rainfall patterns. The eastern side of the mountain receives moist winds from the ocean. Due to the mountain, the moist wind is forced up to form clouds and finally rainfall. The western side receives dry winds, hence little or no rainfall at all. In addition, mountainous areas are cold because the high elevation lowers their temperature.