Difference Between Climate Change and Global Warming: Many people use Climate Change and Global Warming together if they mean the same thing. The students need to understand the meaning of each term. This article explains the difference simply, along with easy comparisons and examples.
What Is Global Warming?
Global Warming means the rise in Earth’s temperature due to an increase in greenhouse gases. It mostly focuses on the temperature rise caused by human activities, which include burning fossil fuels, cutting down forests (deforestation), and increasing industrial and vehicle emissions.
Important Point To Note: Global warming is just one part of climate change.
What Is Climate Change?
Climate Change refers to long-term changes in weather patterns over a long period. This includes rising temperatures, changes in rainfall, melting glaciers and ice caps, stronger hurricanes or cyclones, droughts or floods in new regions.
Important Note: Climate change is caused by both natural and human-made factors.
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Difference between Climate Change and Global Warming
To understand the two terms more easily, we are providing the table below for the students:
| Feature | Global Warming | Climate Change |
| Definition | Rise in Earth’s average temperature | Long-term changes in Earth’s climate/weather patterns |
| Focus Area | Temperature increase only | Includes temperature, rainfall, storms, etc. |
| Main Cause | Greenhouse gas emissions (human-made) | Natural and human-made causes |
| Is it Part of the Other? | No | Yes (climate change includes global warming) |
| Example | The Arctic is getting warmer | Monsoon is becoming unpredictable in India |
Causes of Climate Change and Global Warming
Let us first discuss the common human causes:
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Use of plastic and non-recyclable
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Excessive vehicle use
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Industrial pollution
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Burning fossil fuels
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Deforestation
The natural causes for Climate change are as follows:
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Volcanic eruptions
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Solar radiation variations
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Ocean currents
The Key Difference Points Students Must Know
Understanding the difference is important as:
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Helps us to take better steps towards the future.
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Students can spread awareness among the friends and family.
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Knowing about the difference also makes the learning about geography and environment easier.
What Students Can Do To Make A Difference?
Check in the table below that how small steps can lead to a bigger impact for the good.
| Small Step | Big Impact |
| Use less plastic | Reduces pollution |
| Plant trees | Absorbs CO₂ |
| Cycle or walk | Reduces fuel use |
| Save electricity | Lowers emissions |
| Say no to wasting water | Helps environment |
In the end, we would like to conclude by saying that Global Warming is the increase in Earth’s temperature and Climate Change includes more than just rising heat. As students, we must be aware about the following terms. Let us know iif you need more differences like these.
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