As a fixture in recent headlines, the Earth's climate has commanded much attention. While environmental and atmospheric conditions in large part determine the climate of a region, the impact of human activity has increasingly become a significant factor as well. This is especially true concerning significant climate changes, commonly known as global warming. New technologies and an ever-expanding population have contributed to worldwide climate shifts in ways that are harmful to the planet. The factors affecting climate, the various climate classification systems, and international responses to global warming are all carefully considered in this volume.