Is it ‘global warming’ or is it ‘climate change’?

Global warming” refers to an increase in the Earth’s average temperature (and ‘global cooling’ refers to a decrease).

Anthropogenic global warming” (AGW) is global warming caused by humanity’s presence (anthropogenic means ‘man-made’). An important factor influencing this is carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions caused by the burning of fossil fuels.

Weather” is the (short-term) state of the planet’s atmosphere at a specific time and place. Weather is described by reference to measurements such as temperature, humidity, cloud cover, precipitation, wind and so on.

Climate” refers to the long-term manifestations of weather and other atmospheric conditions in a given area of the planet.

Climate change” is a term used to describe changes of climate that occur naturally and generally arise over geologic (mind-numbingly vast) timescales (although they can happen relatively quickly).

Climate disruption” is climate change that has been accelerated by AGW to a rate of change that is far, far greater than anything in the historical record — a rate of change that is measured in decades rather than aeons. Climate disruption is happening now, and its effects will become more severe in the future. If we act now, we may be able to minimise these effects.

Stupidity” is a term that can be used to refer to an assortment of ape descendants all so busy discussing what to name the unusually hot red-orangey-yellow glow in the corner (which, incidentally, appears to be eating the furniture) that none of them are likely to make a decision anytime soon as to whether they should throw some water on it.

About peNdantry

Phlyarologist (part-time) and pendant. Campaigner for action against anthropogenic global warming (AGW) and injustice in all its forms. Humanist, atheist, notoftenpist. Wannabe poet, writer and astronaut.
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1 Response to Is it ‘global warming’ or is it ‘climate change’?

  1. Pingback: Those who deny climate change should get their facts right | Wibble

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