Climate change is one of the major global problems of today. It manifests primarily in the atmosphere, but is closely related to occurrences in the Earth's system. It is influenced by external factors such as the ones depending on the intensity of the Sun's radiation, as well as internal factors related to the processes in the Earth's system. Much of the process in the Earth's system is the result of human action. With the emergence of industrialization, man became an active factor in shaping the environment, which he began to radically change and adapt to his needs. For many years, this seemed to be in the forefront of satisfying one's own needs, without thinking about the negative effects. Uncontrolled use of fossil fuels, deforestation, increased livestock farming and other human activities have led to a significant increase in greenhouse gas emissions and global warming. Awareness of the unsustainability of this mode of action began to rise in the late 20th century, and it was only in the 21st century that concrete measures began to be taken to reduce the negative effects of human action on the climate and the environment. The European Union has some of the highest environmental standards in the world and is a leader in implementing climate policies and strategies. Thanks to environmental policy, the European Union's economy is becoming more environmentally friendly, protecting Europe's natural resources and preserving human health and well-being. Although there are some visible positive changes, there is a long way to go before the negative effects are reversed due to the long-term destruction of the planet by irresponsible human actions. This will only be possible with the uncompromising implementation of the adopted long-term policies and strategies in order to achieve the climate neutrality of the economy that the European Union plans to achieve by 2050.