Climate change and global warming are usually used interchangeably to refer to the same thing, BUT that is not the case. In fact, global warming is just one of the many aspects of climate change. It simply designates the recent rise in the global average temperature near the earth’s surface. Climate change is rather a significant variation of weather conditions in general over several decades or more.
Climate change happens due to many internal and external factors. As we may all know, this isn’t the first time the earth has gone through warm and cool phases in the past, and long before humans were around. In fact, these climatic changes affect life on earth in various ways and are impacting the ecosystem and its ecology in various ways.
Records indicate that today’s climatic warming that started in the mid-20th century is occurring faster than ever before and can’t be explained by natural causes alone. A variety of natural and human factors influence the earth’s climate system. Indeed, according to the World Economic Forum’s 2016 Global Risks Report, the failure to adapt to climate change will be the most impactful risk to the worldwide communities in the coming decade. As climate change transforms global ecosystems, it also affects the places we live in, as well as the water we drink and of course the air we breathe.No matter how a lot of conspiracists claim that climate change is fake or a conspiracy. Climate change is a reality. The IPCC states that “Warming of the climate system is unequivocal, and since the 1950s, many of the observed changes are unprecedented over decades to millennia. The atmosphere and ocean have warmed, the amounts of snow and ice have diminished, and sea level has risen.” Dr. Prichard says: "Extreme fire weather events including increased lightning and strong winds, are also becoming more common under climate change." Climate change increases the risk of hot and dry weather which most likely fuels wildfires. Studies show that wildfire weather is expected to become more frequent and even strike in regions where extreme heat and fires have been less common. As we saw lately, wildfires continue to blaze uncontrolled in Greece, California, Turkey, Algeria, Morocco, the Amazon, or, as of late the French Riviera.
So what can we do as people to help the planet and reduce the overall rising temperature?! Scientists emphasize the importance of mall daily actions. You can for instance reduce your reliance on cars and that by taking public transport or cycling. Insulating your homes is another way to conserve heat. Insulation reduces the exchange of heat through a surface such as a wall, attic, or roof. You can also try to eat less meat and dairy. Indeed, according to the Oxford study, cutting meat and dairy products from your diet could reduce an individual's carbon footprint from food by two-thirds. The same food can have huge differences in environmental impact, and so, knowing how and where your food is produced is very important.