Terminology: global warming vs climate change

Summary

“Global warming” and “climate change” are related but not identical terms. Scientifically, global warming refers specifically to the ongoing increase in global average surface temperature. Climate change is broader: it includes global warming and the wider effects of that warming on Earth’s climate system, such as changes in precipitation patterns and other aspects of weather and climate. Historically, the terms became more common in the 1980s and were often used interchangeably in public discussion. In addition, climate change can be used more broadly to describe long-term climate changes throughout Earth’s history that may result from natural processes. The term “anthropogenic climate change” is sometimes used to emphasize climate change caused by human activities. Other related phrases (e.g., “climate crisis,” “climate emergency,” or “global heating”) may be used by scientists, politicians, or media to refer to the same underlying issue of human-driven climate change.

Key Points

• 1

  Global warming = the increase in global average surface temperature.

• 2

  Climate change = global warming plus the wider impacts on Earth’s climate system (e.g., precipitation changes).

• 3

  Climate change can also be used more broadly for long-term climate shifts from natural processes, while “anthropogenic climate change” specifies human causes.