Difference Between Global Warming and Climate Change
Nowadays it is very common to hear about global warming and climate change as phenomena that are occurring on our planet and that generate great concern throughout the globe. This is especially disturbing for climatologists and scientists from branches related to earth sciences, since these phenomena require studies, theories and possible solutions so that they do not generate such a marked impact on human beings that they could put at risk their own human existence.
Both phenome
Difference Between Global Warming and Climate Change
na are often confused by the community, due to the lack of knowledge that usually exists regarding these important issues, therefore, this article aims to clarify possible doubts about these two climatological phenomena from the definition of each one of them:
Global warming
Global warming is the increase in the average temperature of the planet that has been observed recently from various studies and climatological reports. Global warming is, therefore, the gradual increase in the temperature of the atmosphere and the oceans and its projection into the future. The main cause of global warming is due to human action, through greenhouse gases from the burning of fossil fuels and deforestation, among others.
Climate change
Climate change can be defined as the modification of the climate throughout history. Climate change has occurred many times on the planet and as a consequence, the constant temperatures in certain areas are altered, in addition to the winds and precipitation. It is important to note that climate change occurs over a long period of time. It can occur for various causes, both natural and as a consequence of human action on the planet.
In short, it can be said that climate change is the variation of the planet’s climate throughout history and global warming is the increase in the average temperature of the earth’s atmosphere.
The causes of these weather phenomena are numerous. These are the consequence of natural phenomena or the action of man, through the exploitation of the planet’s natural resources, but their results are similar. In both cases, the melting of the polar ice caps occurs and, therefore, the rise in sea level, droughts, fires, massive migrations of different species, and variations in rainfall and winds, among others.
Based on these statements, a table is presented below that shows the main differences between these two phenomena that are happening on our planet:
| Global warming | Climate change |
| The main cause is human action on the planet. | The causes can be natural or human and global warming itself. |
| Global warming is observed in areas of greater affectation. | Climate change can be seen all over the planet. |
| Global warming is a more specific phenomenon because it refers to the increase in temperature. | Climate change is a more general phenomenon because it includes an increase in temperature, precipitation, wind, among others. |
