Although climate change and global warming are often used interchangeably, global warming is only one aspect of climate change. Global warming pertains only to changes in the climate related to a long-term increase in the average temperature of the Earth.
The Earth's climate has changed dramatically over the course of the history of the planet, but it has been relatively stable for the past 10,000 years. While climate change is not a new phenomenon, the present concern is largely over the accelerated rate of increase in the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere and its possible link to climate change.
The mix of greenhouse gases includes water vapour, carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide. These gases are instrumental in producing a greenhouse effect, which stores heat that would otherwise escape the Earth's atmosphere. If these gases build up, they could store more heat, which could lead to climate change.
While the greenhouse effect occurs naturally and keeps the Earth warm enough to sustain life, many scientists believe that human activities are intensifying this natural process. Such activities include increased burning of fossils fuels such as oil, natural gas and coal; changes in land use such as deforestation and poor agricultural practices; and expansion of human population.