Climate Change vs. Global Warming: Everything You Need to Know in 2023

Last Updated: May 26, 2023

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The Earth's climate has undergone multiple variations throughout its history, fluctuating between periods of glaciation. The lack of consistency within the Earth's climate is due to various factors: biological processes , geological processes, and as of modern history some human causes.

Climate changes on Earth occur frequently on a geological timescale (over millions of years). Studies have identified four major glaciations. Currently, we are transitioning out of an ice age, leading to a gradual increase in the Earth's temperature. However, climate change deniers argue that human activity has no impact on the climate.

They overlook the fact that since the industrial revolution, and particularly in recent decades, the Earth's average temperature has been increasing at an abnormal and excessively rapid rate. Consequently, these scientists, politicians, entrepreneurs, and citizens deny global warming or perhaps climate change—or wait, was it global warming? The truth is that these terms are often used interchangeably by the media, leading to significant confusion. Don't you agree?

Climate Change and Global Warming, what’s the difference?

Climate change and global warming are not synonymous. Instead, the term "climate change" encompasses a series of meteorological, ecological, economic, political, and social phenomena related to the crisis of changing Earth's climatic conditions. The increase in global temperatures is just one aspect of this broader problem, as explained by NASA.

While it is true that our planet has experienced drastic changes throughout its natural history, a significant portion of the changes we observe today is attributed to human activity. These activities include the emission of greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide and methane, resulting in pollution, the destruction of various ecosystems, and the irresponsible exploitation of natural resources.

What is climate change?

Climate change refers to significant and prolonged modifications in climate measurements, according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). These modifications encompass notable changes in temperature, precipitation, wind patterns, and other effects occurring over several decades or longer.

What is global warming?

Global warming is the recent and ongoing increase in the average global temperature near the Earth's surface. It is primarily caused by a significant rise in greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere, leading to substantial changes in climatic conditions. Global warming itself represents just one aspect of climate change.

What causes climate change?

The acceleration of the current climate change is primarily caused by human activities. Over the past century, industrial activities have released substantial amounts of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, predominantly originating from the energy industry. However, deforestation, other industrial processes, and even certain agricultural practices also contribute to these emissions. Understanding the differences between climate change and global warming is essential.

What causes global warming?

The long term heating of the Earth's surface is global warming. Any reason that increases the amount of CO2 and other air pollutants in the atmosphere basically creates a blanket over the atmosphere causing the planet to become hotter and causing global warming.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How is climate change related to global warming?

Because of global warming the earth's surface temperature increases, which causes the change in pattern of earth's weather and creates climate change, that is why these two are interrelated.

What are the differences between global warming and climate change?

Global warming is long-term temperature rise of the Earth's temperature, however Climate Change is the shift in the planet's climate pattern.