Did you know that the combined ocean and land temperature is increasing by 0.32 degrees Fahrenheit with each decade that passes? In the grand scheme of things, that small increase in temperature might not seem like much but it has a big impact on the Earth and the living beings on it. Many people also make the mistake of not understanding the difference between climate change vs. global warming.
Both are bad for the planet, but they’re quite different from each other in meaning as well as in the ways that they impact the living beings on Earth. The good news is that you’ve found a great global warming guide that will help you understand the difference between the two terms as well as the importance of combating climate change.
Keep reading this article to learn more about global warming and climate change today!
Contents
What Is Global Warming?
Global warming is exactly what it sounds like, as it involves an increase in the surface temperature of the planet. These rising temperatures aren’t limited to a few places across the globe but everywhere. The warming part of the term represents the fact that these temperatures are continuing to rise even if that increase is gradual.
The term “global warming” is everywhere in the modern lexicon, but many people get the meaning of global warming mixed up with that of climate change. It’s no secret that human activity is a major cause of global warming on Earth.
Causes of Global Warming
Global warming might happen in a natural manner without human activity, but the fact of the matter is that humans are speeding up the rate at which the Earth’s surface temperatures are rising. The biggest cause of these rising temperatures is the large volumes of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.
This carbon dioxide works in the same way that a greenhouse does since it traps the heat in the Earth’s atmosphere rather than letting it escape into the reaches of space. Using fossil fuels for powering vehicles and power plants is a big contributing factor to global warming.
The dependence on fossil fuels for energy is leading to a bigger shield that holds these temperatures in. It’s the main reason why the temperatures on Earth are rising at a notable rate.
Impacts of Global Warming
As the surface temperature of the Earth rises, it’s natural that colder areas will get impacted the most. A great indicator of these rising temps is the fact that ancient glaciers are starting to melt in places ranging from Montana and Alaska all the way to Antarctica.
These massive reservoirs of seawater are causing the level of the world’s oceans to continue rising. These sea levels will rise into areas that are densely populated and cause massive issues for the environment.
It will also lead to increasing levels of carbon dioxide in the ocean. That might not seem like a big deal but a ton of Earth’s oxygen comes from algae and other plant life that lives below the ocean’s surface.
If those plants can’t produce oxygen then it will become more difficult to live and thrive on Earth. An increase in the Climeworks direct air capture devices will also help with getting rid of the high levels of CO2.
What Is Climate Change?
Now that you have a strong knowledge of global warming, it’s time to take a look at climate change and its causes and impacts. The climate of a given place is the average weather that you should expect there during each month and each season of the year. The real issue is that the typical weather patterns that people have tracked for hundreds of years are starting to change.
More and more places are encountering unusual patterns of weather in their areas. An area where many get confused when it comes to climate change vs. global warming is the fact that global warming is a big part of climate change. The main difference between the two is the causes of each.
Causes of Climate Change
Global warming plays a big role in climate change on Earth, but it’s only one factor of many that impact the changing climates across the world. Burning fossil fuels definitely contributes to climate change but there are also a number of natural causes that result in changing climates.
The biggest cause of climate change that is beyond the control of humans is the fact that the Earth moves different distances from the Sun gradually. As the distance from the Sun continues to grow, surface temperatures across the world start to drop.
Natural changes in the ocean will also play a big role in climate change over a period of time. Volcanic activity also impacts the ways that climates change around the world. A major volcanic eruption puts tons of pumice and ash into the lower levels of the atmosphere which impact the amount of sunlight that gets through as well as the temperatures that get trapped beneath it.
Examples of Climate Change
You don’t need to look too hard to see the evidence of climate change on Earth. One of the biggest indicators that climates are changing is the fact that there is a big increase in severe weather and storms. These storms also bring heavier amounts of rainfall which could lead to catastrophic mudslides and flooding in different parts of the world.
A loss of biodiversity and severe stretches of drought are also big indicators that show that climates are changing. Though it isn’t at the forefront of many minds, another example of climate change on Earth is dropping temperatures that result in an Ice Age.
How to Combat Climate Change and Global Warming
Now that you know the difference between climate change vs. global warming, it’s important to look at the things that you can do in order to cut down on the global warming caused by you and your family. The more people that start contributing to a more sustainable way of life, the better that all living creatures will be in the future.
Speak Your Mind
One of the main reasons that many people don’t change their ways when it comes to global warming is the fact that they don’t see it impacting their lives. If you’re looking for a way to make the world a better place then it’s a good idea to start speaking up about global warming and educating the people in your life about its causes.
Voicing your concerns will tell others around you that you care about the ways in which you’re impacting your planet. It might also lead to them taking climate change and global warming more seriously going forward.
Use Renewable Energy
The energy companies in the United States are often the biggest polluters, so making the change to renewable energy is a great start toward protecting the planet. One way to start using renewable energy is to find an energy provider that sources their energy from renewable sources like wind or solar.
You can look at your different options through Green-E Energy in order to determine if more than half of their power is renewable. If that isn’t an option then you can still look into a residential solar energy system. It’s a great option with tax benefits from the government.
Get Energy-Efficient Appliances
The first thing that you should look for when you start shopping for new appliances is the Energy Star logo. This logo signifies that you’re using an appliance that is extra efficient. These efficiency standards are preventing millions of tons of CO2 from getting deposited into the atmosphere.
Using energy-efficient appliances is the most effective way of reducing your carbon footprint. If you’re concerned with making a difference then you can start by upgrading your home’s appliances.
Reduce Wastewater
Another big issue on Earth that is leading to global warming and climate change is the high volume of wastewater. Many people don’t realize the energy that it takes to pump, heat, and clean water sources. In order to gain access to clean water, many fossil fuels end up getting burnt.
A great way to eliminate wastewater in your home is to shorten the length of the showers that you’re taking each day. You should also consider turning off the tap while you’re brushing your teeth or doing the dishes. Taking these simple measures will help far more than you realize when it comes to preventing global warming and climate change on Earth.
Now You Know the Difference Between Climate Change vs. Global Warming
Learning the difference between climate change vs. global warming is important if you care about what is happening on your planet. Global warming is created by human activity and it results in higher surface temperatures on Earth. Climate change happens as a result of natural causes like the distance between the Earth and the Sun, but global warming speeds this process up.
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