What defines a major characteristic of climate change?

A major characteristic of climate change is a consistent rise in global temperatures. This phenomenon is primarily attributed to the increase in greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, resulting from human activities such as burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial processes. Over time, these activities have led to a gradual warming of the Earth's surface, impacting climate patterns across the globe.

This consistent rise in temperatures affects various climatic systems and contributes to other significant impacts such as melting ice caps, rising sea levels, and shifts in weather patterns. Unlike the other options that suggest short-term changes or variability, climate change is characterized by long-term trends and consistent data indicating an overall warming trajectory. Therefore, the understanding of climate change hinges on recognizing this long-term rise in global temperatures as a core defining feature.