Climate is the prevailing weather condition in an area over many years. A climate in a particular area is called regional climate, while the average climate in the world is called global climate.
Global warming is the term used by scientists to illustrate the changing global climate, which as been increasing for many years. Climate change, on the other hand, is the global climate and the pattern of change that's happening in geological timescale. The global climate is changing due to the accumulation of greenhouse gases which traps the hear on earth causing a warming of the atmosphere.
Natural Process of Climate Change. The world's climate has seen hundreds of change up to the present. Our global climate is in a constant state of flux. Scientists unraveled clues from thousands of years ago that tells the earth's climate underwent changes before.
Human-induced Global Warming. The current change in global climate is attributed by many to the industrialization of our society. The dawn of industrial revolution saw more burning of coal to power our daily needs. This industrialization which was driven by the burning of more fossil fuel released more Greenhouse gases which traps heat into the earth.
Causes of Climate Change
Industrial Pollution: Industrial pollution can be attributed mainly to the burning of fossil fuel to power our industries. These fossil fuels release gases, such as carbon dioxide, that trap heat coming from the sun causing the earth to warm up. The industrial revolution from developed countries is all part of the historical contribution of heat trapping gasses in the atmosphere. The resulting effect is gradual increase of the global temperature which causes the global climate to change.
Deforestation: Our forests act as a "carbon sink". This means that they absorb the excess carbon released into the atmosphere thereby regulating heat exchange. Our world is currently experiencing massive deforestation due to land conversion. This activity makes it difficult for our forest to regulate global temperature.
Agriculture and Livestock: The agriculture industry is responsible for the most land conversion in any country. This industry also releases toxins to the environment from all the pesticide applications. Livestock are also responsible for contributing greenhouse gases by way of their wastes and the methane they release.
Effects of Climate Change
Higher Temperatures: Due to the increasing greenhouse gases being emitted in the atmosphere, hear is trapped and can cause a chain reaction of changes around the world. This heating of the earth, more commonly known as global warming, can set off drastic effects to people.
Melting Glacial Icecaps: Glaciers are extensive ice and snow formations found all year long on land in many parts of the world especially the polar regions. Due to the warming of the earth these ice formations are melting at very alarming rates.
Global Sea Level Rising: As global temperature rises, water expands and take up more space. The rising temperature also melts glaciers which adds up to the volume of water to the oceans. These processes can have drastic effects to people living in the coasts and in low-lying areas which will be prone to flooding.
More Droughts: Prolonged periods of dryness due to the unavailability of moisture and water can cause tremendous negative impacts. As the global climate continue to rise, so will the prevalence of the longer and more extreme droughts which can strain the water supply where it is already in scarce reserve.
Wilder and Unpredictable Weather: The ocean which absorbs heat from the sun is responsible for giving energy to hurricanes and storms. As more and more hear are being absorbed by the ocean from global warming, more and more intense and devastating weather disturbances were expected to occur. These will cause major damages to populated areas putting lives and livelihood in jeopardy.
References:
A student's guide to Global Climate Change, United States Environmental Protection Agency
Climate Change: Basic Information
The Basics: A Brief Introduction to Climate Change
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