The term "climate change" refers to long-term changes in temperature, precipitation, wind patterns and other aspects of Earth's climate system. The primary driver of climate change is human activity, particularly the burning of fossil fuels such as coal, oil and natural gas for energy, transportation and industrial processes. These activities release large amounts of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, trapping heat from the sun and causing global temperatures to rise. Other factors that contribute to climate change include deforestation, agriculture practices, and certain human-made chemicals. However, it is widely agreed upon by scientists that human activity, particularly the burning of fossil fuels, is currently the most significant driver of climate change.