Introduction
Global warming refers to an increase in the Earth’s average temperature that is characterized by rising global surface temperatures and the accumulation of pollutants in the atmosphere. According to scientists, it is the result of land surfaces heating faster than water bodies, an increase in atmospheric energy, and higher rates of evaporation that lead to extreme weather conditions (McCoy, 2019).
Main body
The major causes of global warming include greenhouse gases, land surface changes, and aerosols. Moreover, human activities like deforestation, farming, and burning fossil fuels also contribute to the phenomenon. Climate change refers to shifts in weather patterns across the globe that are characterized by changes in temperature, wind patterns, and precipitation that occur over an extended period (Ward, 2016). The main causes of global warming include livestock farming, burning fossil fuels, and deforestation. These activities lead to the accumulation of greenhouse gases in the environment, thus raising temperatures and causing a shift in weather patterns. Ozone depletion refers to the destruction of the ozone layer in the atmosphere (Nunez, 2019). It is caused by the release of solvents, propellants, and foam-blowing substances into the atmosphere, as well as sunspots and volcanic eruptions.
The three concepts are similar because they are aspects of environmental destruction that lead to changes in global temperatures and changes in weather patterns. Moreover, greenhouse gases are cited as a major cause. In many fields, global warming and climate change are used interchangeably because they are caused by similar sources. However, they have distinct differences.
Conclusion
Global warming refers only to the rise in surface temperatures while climate change encompasses both changes in surface temperatures and their effects that include melting glaciers and prevalent drought. Unlike global warming and climate change, ozone depletion increases the amount of ultraviolet (UV) radiation in the atmosphere. Its effects are more pronounced and include skin cancer, immune system damage, and eye cataracts.
References
McCoy, E. L. (2019). The top six threats to civilization: Global warming. Cavendish Square Publishing, LLC.
Nunez, C. (2019). Climate 101: Ozone depletion. National Geographic. Web.
Ward, P. L. (2016). What really causes global warming? Greenhouse gases or ozone depletion? Morgan James Publishing.