For the human caused climate change please see section on the Green House Effect.

For natural causes that are not responsible for the acceleration of climate change today see below:

Earth\'s position or tilt of its axis relative to the sun can increase or decrease the amount of solar radiation Earth receives. Energy output from the sun is lower during sunspot minima. Ash and gases from volcanic eruptions can block some incoming solar radiation and cause cooler temperatures. Movement of continents affects how much solar energy they receive and can affect global wind patterns and ocean currents, which in turn can change climate.

Climate Change