What is the difference between global warming and climate change?

“Global warming” as it is commonly used refers to the increase of the Earth’s average surface temperature, due to a build-up of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. “Climate change” is used in a broader context that refers to long-term changes in climate, including average temperature and precipitation.

  1. Esteban Tellez

    posted on June 23rd, 2011 at 12:43 am

    Global warming” as it is commonly used refers to the increase of the Earth’s average surface temperature, due to a build-up of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. “Climate change” is used in a broader context that refers to long-term changes in climate, including average temperature and precipitation.
  2. Tapson Patane

    posted on September 5th, 2011 at 4:33 pm

    The greenhouse effect is the process by which heat accumulates in the earth's lower atmosphere instead of being released out into space. This process occurs naturally and keeps the earth warm enough to sustain life. Without the natural greenhouse effect the surface of the planet would be about 33°C colder on average, and most of the globe would be frozen. from Tapson Patane on faceboook.
  3. Patience Chisala

    posted on September 5th, 2011 at 6:29 pm

    Ey dir hw ar u.
  4. Enicah Malima

    posted on December 1st, 2011 at 10:24 am

    am still confusing the causes of climate change and global warming.some one may assist me?
  5. Wenn Catamora Villarin

    posted on April 22nd, 2012 at 7:07 am

    Global warming causes Climate change..why we argue with this two? By now we know the full effects of this two..But do you have the courage to make real changes in your life? Its not too late.You can even help right now!
As of June 17th 2011 we have upgraded our comment system to use Facebook comments. The below comments are closed and are listed for historical purposes.

6 Archived Comments

  1. tarunkjuyal

    posted on August 18th, 2007 at 2:26 am

    Over the 10-year period as a whole, climate continues to warm and 2014 is likely to be 0.3 deg C warmer than 2004. The overall trend in warming is driven by greenhouse gas emissions but this warming effect will be broadly cancelled out over the next few years by the changing patterns of the ocean temperatures. Want more information click on http://www.LifeOfEarth.Blogspot.com

  2. hunni0309

    posted on September 26th, 2007 at 5:48 pm

    The Global Climate Change, today, is now the “politicaly correct” term for Global Warming.

  3. xamz

    posted on March 10th, 2009 at 9:09 pm

    If global warming is really existing ,why is it there is still a continous snow in the midwestern u.s? aren’t they affected?

  4. mirabel

    posted on April 4th, 2009 at 11:43 pm

    viewing from the present situation of globalwarming and global climate change,does it mean a day will come when the earth will become unconducive to human to inhabit,if drstic steps are not taken?

  5. Tiffany

    posted on May 19th, 2009 at 8:13 pm

    Global warming refers to an increase in average global temperatures, which in turn causes climate change.

    Climate change refers to changes in seasonal temperature, precipitation, wind, and humidity for a given area. Climate change can involve cooling or warming.

    Temperature readings taken around the world in recent decades, and scientific studies of tree rings, corals, and ice cores, show that average global temperatures have risen since the industrial revolution began, with increases accelerating over the past few decades. The overwhelming consensus among climate scientists is that most of the increase is due to human economic activity, especially the burning of fossil fuels and deforestation. These activities contribute to a build-up in carbon dioxide (CO2) and other gases in Earth’s atmosphere.

    Our atmosphere is made up of gases, such as nitrogen, oxygen, and CO2, and water vapor, which act like a “blanket” draped around the planet. Some of these gases—such as CO2, water vapor, and methane—absorb heat, reducing the amount that escapes to space, and increasing global temperatures. This is what is called the “greenhouse effect,” and these gases are often referred to as “greenhouse gases.”

    Without this process, the temperature of Earth’s atmosphere would average about 30 degrees Celsius (50 degrees Fahrenheit) colder than it is today, making it difficult for Earth to sustain life as we know it. However, if this blanket were to become too “thick,” with too many gases trapping too much heat, Earth would be uninhabitable. In the atmosphere of Venus, for example, a buildup of carbon dioxide has led to a broiling temperature of 500 degrees Celsius.

  6. Rick

    posted on February 14th, 2010 at 9:08 am

    The Ice Core’s also show that we are at the tail end of a warming up period, and that CO2 follows rise in temperature. It’s a good thing that we went from “Horse and Buggy” (CO4) to “Automobiles” (CO2) ☺

Recently Added to General

  • 7 Tips for Green Travel

    Written by Nicole Campoy-Leffler, The Daily Meal

    Traveling abroad often means abandoning your routine at home, as well it should. But the “what happens there, stays there” mentality shouldn’t pertain to everything, especially when it comes to staying green.

    Being green at …

  • 6 Awesome Reuse Tumblr Blogs

    We’ve been Tumbling for about 3 months now and have found many creative people that share our passion for the 3 Rs – especially reuse.

    “Thinking Outside the Bin” can spark many positives, including saving money, exercising the right side of …

  • Stop Shaving, Save Water: How Far Can You Grow?

    The average shave uses 5 gallons of water. The average beard is awesome. Your directive is clear.

    Budweiser recently launched its “Grow One. Save a Million” campaign, a push to save a million gallons of water by encouraging people to abstain …

Earth911

Earth911 helps consumers find local recycling information through the largest and most accurate recycling directory in the U.S. Read today's top green lifestyle tips and ideas. Learn how we help businesses.