Strange things have been happening in our world, especially in recent years. The balance of the seasons has gone out of balance, the temperature balance has changed, and even the smallest events suddenly turn into disasters. When you research the subject a little, you come across two concepts: climate change and global warming. If you do not elaborate on your research, you may think that the concepts of global warming and climate change are the same, but they are not.
‘You know, there was global warming, how cold is the weather!’ When you say that, you actually confused the concepts because what you are talking about is climate change. Unless you are an expert, no one will expect you to know the difference between these two concepts, but since we hear it so much, let’s learn a little. Let’s understand what climate change is, what is global warming, and what is the difference between them.
Let’s look at the first concept first: What is global warming?
In its most basic definition, global warming is the increase in the average temperature on the Earth’s surface. The main reason for this is the greenhouse effect created by gases released into the atmosphere by humans. Our Earth cannot reflect some of the heat it receives from the Sun’s rays back due to a cover formed by water vapor, carbon dioxide, methane gas and similar components, and therefore its temperature increases, that is, global warming occurs.
So what is climate change?
Climate change is the changes caused by global warming on the Earth’s climate system. The temperature is increasing due to greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, and as a result of the increase in temperature, unusual events, that is, changes, are occurring in the climate system as we know it. Cold weather below seasonal norms or warm weather above seasonal norms are visible examples of climate change.
The difference between global warming and climate change is actually extremely simple:
In fact, even when we look at the definitions, we can understand the difference, or rather the relationship, between these concepts. The cause of climate change is the increase in temperature on the Earth’s surface. In other words, the cause of climate change is actually global warming itself. Therefore, it would be more accurate to talk about a cause-effect relationship rather than a difference between them.
It is also possible to say that we see what global warming is doing to our Earth with climate change. Because global warming sounds like an abstract concept unless you’re an expert. However, since we see climate change firsthand, we can say that this is the result of global warming.
As the greenhouse gases in the atmosphere increase, the rate of reflection of the sun’s rays decreases. As a result, the planet’s temperature increases. Climate is a system directly related to temperature. As the temperature increases, the climate balance is naturally disrupted and abnormal weather conditions occur, which we have frequently experienced especially in recent years.
We are the causes of global warming:
- Increasing fossil fuel consumption
- Increasing carbon emissions with increasing industrialization
- Carbon dioxide is not absorbed by trees due to deforestation
- Destruction of greenery due to the increase in animal husbandry and the waste of these animals
- The devastation caused by industrial farming
- Greenhouse gas released during the production process of products
- Drugs and chemicals used in different processes
Here are some of the most important causes of global warming. If you noticed, all of them are human-made operations. If we think of the greenhouse gas that blocks the atmosphere as a cover, the components that make it up are; carbon dioxide, methane, chlorofluorocarbon, ozone and ozone oxides. The most important nutrient of greenhouse gas is carbon dioxide.
The main reason for global warming is actually man’s challenge to nature. Opening agricultural areas or destroying forests for construction purposes, disrupting the balance by producing with an abnormal number of animals, using fossil fuels like crazy, increasing the greenhouse gases released during the production process by constantly purchasing unnecessary goods. In other words, everything that you look around and say was not like this a few decades ago is the cause of global warming.
Climate change, which is a result of global warming, directly threatens our lives:
The climate change we experience as a result of global warming caused by greenhouse gases filling the atmosphere is evident in every corner of the Earth. As we all know, we see the biggest impact in the poles because the poles, which are huge piles of ice, are melting faster and faster every year. As a result of this melting, the water level in the oceans rises and land areas are flooded.
All hurricanes, floods and floods are happening much more frequently and much more intensely. On the other hand, since not a single drop of rain is falling, drought is increasing and new deserts are emerging. Migration periods of animals change because the seasons do not come on time. All of these have a negative impact on biodiversity.
How to prevent global warming? Here are small changes everyone can make in their life:
- Use fewer electronic devices, completely turn off or unplug products you are not using.
- Use LED bulbs.
- Choose energy-friendly electronic items.
- Limit your use of electricity-intensive products such as irons, hair dryers and ovens.
- Do not use detergents, shampoos and other cleaning materials that contain chemicals.
- Have your homes thermally insulated and thus use less natural gas.
- Use electric systems for heating, not natural gas or oil-based.
- If you have the opportunity, get solar panels and use products that run on electrical energy.
- Use public transportation instead of personal cars.
- Be careful to consume local products in season.
- Stay away from single-use plastic products.
- Plant trees in a suitable location.
These are some of the small changes you can make in your life to prevent global warming, which causes climate change, the effects of which we feel more painfully every day. In fact, many of these items not only prevent global warming but also help you protect your budget.
Of course, you will say, while huge factories are polluting the nature, will my single disposable bar save the world, yes. Because when you do not demand such products, those factories will no longer produce so much and will emit less greenhouse gases. In other words, if there is no demand, there will be no production, and if there is no production, there will be no greenhouse gases.
We talked about the important details you need to know by answering frequently asked questions such as what is global warming, what is climate change, and what is the difference between them, two concepts we have heard frequently in recent years. You can share your thoughts on the subject in the comments.
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