- Both are caused by man-made pollution
- Both are undeniably happening (there is zero debate on this)
- Both are bad – for pretty much everyone on the planet
In most circles, you’ll probably hear “global warming” more frequently. This is because the term is “associated with greater public understanding, emotional engagement, and support for personal and national action” than the term “climate change.”
But despite their similarities, these 2 concepts are not the same thing.
Let’s take a look.
Global Warming Defined
First coined in 1975 by geochemist, Wallace Broecker, global warming refers to elevations in the planet’s average temperature – increases that result from greenhouse gas buildup in the atmosphere.
Winters can still be cold and summers can still be relatively mild. But on average, Earth is warmer today than it was a few years ago. And it’ll be warmer still in the years to come.
Despite many attempts to paint global warming as a “theory,” meteorologists and climatologists have documented major temperature changes over the past 150 – 200 years (which coincides with the industrial revolution and the rise of fossil fuel consumption).
The planet is definitely becoming warmer – and it’s almost certainly our fault.
Climate Change Defined
Climate change refers to overall changes in things like precipitation, weather patterns, and temperature. Areas that used to receive a lot of rain now experience frequent droughts. And regions that used to be quite dry now receive a lot more rain.
Climate change happens naturally – with or without human intervention. But because of global warming, changes in Earth’s weather systems have become more extreme and less predictable.
Most of the effects of climate change are localized (since climates are local). But on average, weather conditions are more erratic now than before. Just think about Hurricane Katrina or the severe droughts we’ve had in California recently.
Again, the scientific community is unanimous in its assessment of whether or not climate change is happening. Hurricanes, floods, droughts, typhoons, monsoons, blizzards, and other natural disasters are all happening with greater frequency and severity.
Is There a Way to Stop Climate Change and Global Warming?
There is no simple solution for reversing the effects of climate change and global warming. In order to bring balance back to the planet, we’ll have to adopt a multipronged approach that includes a lot of major lifestyle changes.
But there is one strategy that is painless and effective.
Instead of continuing to power our cities using fossil fuel, we could switch to clean solar energy.
- The technology already exists
- It’s incredibly affordable
- It doesn’t emit greenhouse gases
- It’ll save you money
You can even use free sunshine to power your daily commutes – it’s true.
Go solar today and reduce your carbon footprint (and utility bill) to nothing. Oh – and help save Planet Earth in the process.
To learn how, contact us for a free consultation.
