What’s the difference between climate change and global warming?

Global temperature rise from 1880 to 2021. Higher-than-normal temperatures are shown in
red and lower-than-normal temperatures are shown in blue. Each frame represents global
temperature anomalies (changes) averaged over the five years previous to that particular year.
Credit: NASA Goddard Space Flight Center/NASA Scientific Visualization Studio/NASA Goddard
Institute for Space Studies.

The terms “global warming” and “climate change” are sometimes used interchangeably, but "global
warming" is only one aspect of climate change.

“Global warming” refers to the long-term warming of the planet. Global temperature shows a well-
documented rise since the early 20th century and most notably since the late 1970s. Worldwide since
1880, the average surface temperature has risen about 1 °C (about 2 °F), relative to the mid-20th
century baseline (of 1951-1980). This is on top of about an additional 0.15 °C of warming from
between 1750 and 1880.

“Climate change” encompasses global warming, but refers to the broader range of changes that are
happening to our planet. These include rising sea levels; shrinking mountain glaciers; accelerating ice
melt in Greenland, Antarctica and the Arctic; and shifts in flower/plant blooming times. These are all
consequences of warming, which is caused mainly by people burning fossil fuels and putting out
heat-trapping gases into the air.

Scientists already have documented these impacts of climate change:

 Ice is melting worldwide, especially at the Earth’s poles. This includes mountain glaciers, ice
sheets covering West Antarctica and Greenland, and Arctic sea ice. In Montana's Glacier
National Park the number of glaciers has declined to fewer than 30 from more than 150 in
1910.
 Much of this melting ice contributes to sea-level rise. Global sea levels are rising 0.13 inches
(3.2 millimeters) a year. The rise is occurring at a faster rate in recent years and is predicted
to accelerate in the coming decades.
 Rising temperatures are affecting wildlife and their habitats. Vanishing ice has challenged
species such as the Adélie penguin in Antarctica, where some populations on the western
peninsula have collapsed by 90 percent or more.
 As temperatures change, many species are on the move. Some butterflies, foxes, and alpine
plants have migrated farther north or to higher, cooler areas.
 Precipitation (rain and snowfall) has increased across the globe, on average. Yet some regions
are experiencing more severe drought, increasing the risk of wildfires, lost crops, and drinking
water shortages.
 Some species—including mosquitoes, ticks, jellyfish, and crop pests—are thriving. Booming
populations of bark beetles that feed on spruce and pine trees, for example, have
devastated millions of forested acres in the U.S.

Other effects could take place later this century, if warming continues. These include:

 Sea levels are expected to rise between 10 and 32 inches (26 and 82 centimeters) or higher by the
end of the century.
 Hurricanes and other storms are likely to become stronger. Floods and droughts will become more
common. Large parts of the U.S., for example, face a higher risk of decades-long "megadroughts "
by 2100.
 Less freshwater will be available, since glaciers store about three-quarters of the world's
freshwater.
 Some diseases will spread, such as mosquito-borne malaria (and the 2016 resurgence of the Zika
virus).
 Ecosystems will continue to change: Some species will move farther north or become more
successful; others, such as polar bears , won’t be able to adapt and could become extinct.

The Seven (7) Environmental Principles

by Marvin Ray  Legaspi
1.
Nature knows best
 One natural process that needs serious attention isnutrient cycling. In nature, nutrients pass from
theenvironment to the organisms and back to theenvironment. Any disruption in the cycle can bring
aboutimbalance. Our nature knows everything. Sometimes, itknows what is best for us.2.
All forms of life are important
 Each organism plays a fundamental role in nature. Sincesuch occupational or functional position,
otherwise knownas niche, cannot be simultaneously occupied by more thanone specie, it is apparent
that all living things must beconsidered as invaluable in the maintenance ofhomeostasis in the
ecosystem.3.
Everything is connected to everything else
 This principle is best exemplified by the concept of theecosystem. In an ecosystem, all biotic and
amnioticcomponents interact with each other to ensure that thesystem is perpetuated. Any outside
interference may resultin an imbalance and the deterioration of the system.4
. Everything changes
 It is said that the only permanent thing is change. ourworld is constantly changing and nothing is
permanentanymore. Even each day humans try to change their livingto fit in to the world.5.
Everything must go somewhere
 When a piece of paper is thrown away, it disappears fromsight but it does not cease to exist. It ends
up elsewhere.Everything goes somewhere and nothing goes nothing ithas its own way to go.6.
Ours is a finite earth
 Just how long would the earth be able to sustain demandson its resources? This is a question that
needs seriousreflection. Unless the factors of population growth,lifestyles, and polluting technologies
are checked, thecollapse of the earth might be inevitable.7.
Nature is beautiful and we are stewards of God'screation
  Among all creatures, humans are the only ones made inGod's image and have been given the right
to havedominion over all His creations. Being the most intelligentand gifted with reason, humans are
capable ofmanipulating creation to their own advantage. We aremade not to rule the world but to
help the world. Humansare God's creation and we need to take care of everything.

Forest Protection Conservation and DevelopmentIntroductionThe Philippine government is aware of

the uniqueness and exceptional diversity of thecountry's forests. The factors that contribute to forest
loss and degradation include shiftingcultivation, cash cropping, firewood collection, livestock grazing
and unsustainable logging. Alarge number of tree species in the Philippines are harvested for their
timber and non-woodproducts such as bark, resin, tannin and medicinal compounds
Forest Protection Conservation and DevelopmentIntroductionThe Philippine government is aware of
the uniqueness and exceptional diversity of thecountry's forests. The factors that contribute to forest
loss and degradation include shiftingcultivation, cash cropping, firewood collection, livestock grazing
and unsustainable logging. Alarge number of tree species in the Philippines are harvested for their
timber and non-woodproducts such as bark, resin, tannin and medicinal compounds.Status of forests
and forest genetic resourcesThe contribution of forestry to the Philippine economy has been eroded
by massivedeforestation. As late as 1989, 15 million hectares or half of the country's land area was
stillclassified as forest. According to the latest forest inventory (1998), the area of forest has
nowdeclined to about 6.7 million hectares. Pressure from a growing population, demands
foragricultural land, urbanization and logging are among the reasons behind forest loss.
The optimal area of forest for the Philippines is believed to be about 12 million hectares, or40% of
the land area. Given that only 6.7 million hectares are currently forested, this means thatan
additional 5.3 million hectares must be reforested. The Philippine government aims to meet
itsreforestation targets by cooperating with various sectors of society. Private sector plantations
willfocus on timber production. Government plantations will rehabilitate degraded forest areas
andprotect watersheds. The National Forestation Programme (NFP) aims to reforest 100,000ha
eachyear. A shortage in wood supply is expected if not enough plantations are established, even
underMaster Plan conditions (Table 2). Additional reasons for urgently establishing forest
plantationsin the Philippines are:
•The need for wood and forest products in the future•The need to protect watersheds and other vital
interests•To provide urgently needed employment in rural and urban areas•The need to distribute
the benefits of natural resource exploitation more equitably.
The Philippine constitution has the following provisions relating to the conservation of tree
species:Support and protection by the State for the right of all Filipino people to a balanced and
healthyecology in accordance with the rhythm and harmony of nature (Sec. 16, Art. II); framework
ofnational unity and development (Sec. 22, Art. II).State ownership of all natural resources, except
for agricultural lands (Sec. 2, Art. XII).Full control and supervision by the State of exploration,
development and use of naturalresources either by directly undertaking such activities or by entering
into co-production, jointventures or production-sharing agreements with Filipino citizens or Filipino-
owned or controlledcorporations or associations (Sec. 2, Art. XII).Small-scale utilization of natural
resources (Sec. 2, Art. XIII).Determination by Congress of the specific limits of forest lands by
marking their boundaries onthe ground (Sec. 4, Art. XIII).State protection of the rights of
indigenous cultural communities to their ancestral lands toensure their economic, social and cultural
well-being (Sec. 5, Art. XII).The Philippines is committed to protecting and conserving its biological
resources through thePhilippine Strategy for Sustainable Development (PSSD). This was endorsed by
former PresidentCorazon Aquino and subsequently approved by the Cabinet in 1989 as a response to
the globalcall for well-balanced resource development. One of the ten major strategies of the PSSD
isbiodiversity conservation. A sub-committee on biodiversity has been created by the
PhilippineCouncil for Sustainable Development and is chaired by DENR's Protected Areas and
WildlifeBureau. In 1994, the sub-committee formulated the Philippine Strategy for the Conservation

As teenagers, sometimes we feel helpless and powerless, unable to take action, or do things that
really matter to us, since governments and large corporations are the ones taking vital decisions.
While major changes are only possible if countries and corporations alter their policies and actions,
we as individuals also have the potential to make a difference, whether through small actions, or
larger initiatives. Let’s not forget that consumers dictate markets, and they can significantly impact
the way goods are produced and traded if they decide to change their consumption habits.

Here are some ways in which you can take control of your future, and protect our environment and
ecosystems:
1. Start Your Own Initiative or Volunteer With Environmental Organizations

Whether it’s something small like starting a community clean-up group, or building a large social
organization with significant reach and impact, taking initiatives for environmental conservation can
go a long way. There are many successful youth-led environmental organizations and NGO’s across
the globe, that are leading by example today. However, if you’re not up to it, you can also make an
impact on the environment by getting involved with local non-profits and assisting the environmental
community groups. There are several ways in which you can get involved, from running online
awareness campaigns, to offering practical help like beach clean-ups, and fundraising events.

2. Reduce/Recycle Paper

What do you do with your old textbooks and novels that are not in use? Why not donate them to
juniors, or kids in your neighborhood, or send them across to countries where children have little to
no access to educational resources. While books aren’t doing any harm sitting on a bookshelf, why
not save resources by putting them to reuse?

Similarly recycling unwanted paper will reduce the raw material demand for paper production,  thus
conserving trees and forest ecosystems. From online assignments, to writing e-exams, thanks to the
advent of technology, paper isn’t something that is necessary anymore. By making use of smart
technologies that are available today, we can effortlessly shift away from paper-based activities, at all
levels.

3. Recycle More Often

Recycling is a simple, yet effective way of conserving resources and reducing your individual carbon
footprint. Rather than throwing everything in the trash, separate your plastic, paper, and metal
waste, and deposit it in a recycling bin. Recycling helps reduce landfill pollution, raw materials and
fossil fuel consumption, and generates a circular economy.

4. Save Resources

Did you know that only 0.03% of the 70% of water available to us is freshwater? That’s why, saving
water is so important for freshwater ecosystems. By doing simple things like taking shorter showers,
avoiding small clothes washes, and turning your taps off while brushing, you can save gallons of
water! Similarly, it’s important to be mindful of your electricity consumption, and make adaptations
so that you can reduce the demand for energy production and thereby preserve fossil fuel resources.
While public and private entities plan the transition to sustainable alternatives, by doing our bit at
homes and offices, we can reduce fossil fuel dependency.

5. Buy Sustainable Products

Plastic is one of the most significant contributors to soil and marine pollution, endangering both the
land and marine life. Plastic isn’t biodegradable, and is often consumed by animals who mistake it as
food. When buying a product, be aware of its environmental impact and disposal after use.
Companies are now being questioned on their ecological footprint, and changing consumer habits are
compelling them to  become more sustainable. There are several sustainable brands available today,
and it is easier to find out about the products origin, materials and recyclability. When you’re stocking
up on school or office supplies like folders and pens, or buying toys and home accessories, try to look
for more eco-friendly alternatives that can replace plastic. For example, some of us use so much
plastic from buying bottled water every day, when buying your own reusable water bottle is not only
cheaper, but also much better for the environment.

Also, buying local products and produce is a great way to minimize carbon footprint, as goods don’t
have to travel longer distances and consume more fuel for transportation. Do some research and find
out about the local eco-stores and farms in your area. Supporting small businesses is also great for
the local economy because you’re sustaining the economic activity and job creation in your area.

6. Decrease Meat & Dairy Consumption

Methane is one of the most potent greenhouse gases that contributes to global warming. With
increasing demand for meat, the number of live-stock farms has gone up significantly over the last
few decades. As livestock release large amounts of methane into the atmosphere, excessive meat
and dairy consumption has detrimental effects on our climate. Additionally, unsustainable dairy and
cattle farming leads to the destruction of ecologically important areas such as wetlands and forests.
Deforestation required to house animals like cows and chickens are damaging habitats and natural
ecosystems, where hundreds of species depend on each other for survival. Thus, the only way we
can prevent more damage is by being responsible, and eating less meat and dairy products.

7. Only Buy What You Need

Lastly, think about your purchasing habits. Do you buy too many products? Can you do without some
of the things that you often buy? Are you being a responsible consumer? Simply buying more
because of tempting offers or discounts will actually cost us and the environment more. Whether its
groceries, clothes, accessories or home products, by purchasing only what you need, you reduce the
amount of waste generated, and thus pollution. As natural resources are limited, our excessive
consumption can be counter-productive, and undermine our planet's biodiversity.