Weather refers to the short-term atmospheric conditions experienced in a specific location over a relatively brief period, such as hours to days. It includes variables like temperature, humidity, precipitation, wind speed, and atmospheric pressure. Climate, on the other hand, represents the long-term patterns and averages of weather conditions observed over extended periods, typically decades to centuries. It encompasses factors like average temperature, rainfall, and seasonal variations, providing a broader perspective on atmospheric behavior and trends.

Weather conditions directly impact plant growth and development on a short-term basis. For example, temperature fluctuations can influence metabolic processes and growth rates, while precipitation levels affect soil moisture availability and plant hydration. In contrast, climate sets the overall environmental conditions that influence plant distribution and adaptation over longer timeframes. It determines factors like the length of the growing season, frost-free periods, and overall moisture regimes, shaping the types of plants that can thrive in a particular region.

Several factors contribute to variations in climate worldwide. These include latitude, proximity to large bodies of water, elevation, ocean currents, atmospheric circulation patterns, topography, and human activity.

Latitude: The angle of sunlight received at different latitudes influences temperature and climate patterns. Regions near the equator receive more direct sunlight and experience warmer temperatures, while polar regions receive less direct sunlight and tend to be colder.

Proximity to large bodies of water: Coastal areas and regions near oceans or seas experience maritime climates characterized by milder temperatures, higher humidity, and moderated seasonal variations due to the heat capacity of water. 

Elevation: Higher elevations generally exhibit cooler temperatures due to decreased atmospheric pressure and thinner air, resulting in distinct climate zones and temperature gradients with altitude.

Ocean currents: Ocean currents redistribute heat around the globe, influencing regional climates by affecting temperature, humidity, and precipitation patterns. For example, the Gulf Stream warms Western Europe, while cold currents off the coast of California contribute to cooler temperatures.

 Atmospheric circulation patterns: Global wind patterns, such as the Hadley, Ferrel, and Polar cells, as well as local wind systems, influence climate by redistributing heat and moisture across the Earth's surface, affecting temperature gradients and precipitation patterns. 

Topography: Features such as mountains, valleys, and plains influence local climate by altering wind patterns, creating rain shadows, and affecting temperature gradients. 

Human activities: Human activities, including the burning of fossil fuels, industrial processes, deforestation, and agricultural practices, release greenhouse gases (such as carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide) and air pollutants into the atmosphere. These emissions contribute to air pollution, climate change, and environmental degradation, with far-reaching consequences for ecosystems, weather patterns, and human health. Sustainable choices, such as transitioning to renewable energy sources, implementing emission reduction measures, and promoting conservation efforts, can alleviate these impacts and safeguard the health of our atmosphere.