To begin with, it is important to define the meanings we are ascribing to the terms. Global warming refers to the gradual increase in the average temperature of the Earth’s atmosphere due to human activities, such as burning fossil fuels and cutting down forests.
Meanwhile, climate change refers to any long-term alterations in weather patterns—which can include increases in temperature, precipitation, storms, and more—that may be the direct result of global warming or a combination of other factors, including deforestation and industrialization.
The connection between global warming and climate change is indisputably linked. As scientists have demonstrated, global warming is one of the primary drivers of climate change, leading to significant shifts in temperature, winds, and rain. This is because as the Earth’s average temperature rises, so too do the levels of greenhouse gases—such as carbon dioxide—in our atmosphere, causing the concentrations of greenhouse gases to rise and trapping additional heat in our atmosphere.
These effects can be seen in growing areas of the world. For example, the Arctic has been experiencing unprecedented temperatures in recent years. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), 2017 was the second warmest year on record for the Arctic region, with temperatures that were “3 °C higher than the 1981–2010 average.”
And while global warming is certainly a concern, it also has the potential to cause secondary effects such as more frequent droughts, floods, heat waves, and other weather-related calamities.
For instance, over the last several years, a number of flash floods and mudslides have occurred around the world as a direct result of global warming, leading to catastrophic consequences for affected communities. In 2017, for example, severe flooding in Sri Lanka caused over 400 deaths and displaced over 600,000 people.
In addition, rising temperatures can create more volatile conditions in our oceans, which can lead to stronger and more frequent hurricanes, typhoons, and other tropical storms. With the increased intensity of these weather events, the death toll and infrastructure damage can be devastating. In 2017, Hurricane Maria caused over 3,000 deaths and destroyed billions of dollars worth of infrastructure in Puerto Rico.
Ultimately, global warming and climate change are inexorably linked phenomena with profound implications for our planet. While mitigating global warming alone may not be enough to prevent climate change, reducing emissions, protecting forests, and transitioning away from a reliance on fossil fuels are important steps for addressing the consequences of climate change.
At the same time, it is also important that governments and civic society jointly work to adapt to and cope with climate changes. This could include investing in infrastructure and disaster preparedness, reforming agricultural techniques, and enacting risk management policies such as coastal zone management to reduce the impact of extreme weather events.
Overall, it is clear that tackling the effects of climate change requires a comprehensive approach and a long-term commitment from all of us. As individuals, we can reduce our carbon footprint and support organizations and initiatives that are working to mitigate global warming. And collectively, we can work together to build a better, more sustainable future for our planet and our society.
