What is Global Warming vs Climate Change? — Reading Comprehension

Premium Resource

Grades

About This Reader

This engaging science passage for grades 6-8 explains the key differences between global warming and climate change, in alignment with NGSS science standards. Students will learn about important scientific concepts such as the greenhouse effect, greenhouse gases, and the impact of human activities on Earth's climate. The passage includes bolded vocabulary for easy reference, a glossary, real-world examples, and an 'Interesting Fact' section. Activities include a multiple-choice quiz and writing prompts that help students connect science to everyday life, analyze cause and effect, and design simple investigations. This resource is perfect for classroom or independent learning, and is audio integrated for accessible learning. Keywords: global warming, climate change, greenhouse effect, NGSS, science passage, environment.

CONTENT PREVIEW

Earth heats up from greenhouse gases, causing extreme weather, melting glaciers, and drought.

Global warming and climate change are two terms that are often used when talking about the Earth's environment. Although they are related, they do not mean the same thing. Global warming is the increase in the average temperature of Earth's atmosphere caused mostly by human activities. Climate change refers to long-term changes in weather patterns, including temperature, rainfall, and wind, happening over many years or even centuries.

The main reason for global warming is the increase in certain gases in the atmosphere called greenhouse gases. These include carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane, and nitrous oxide. These gases trap heat from the sun, keeping Earth warm enough for life. This process is called the greenhouse effect. However, when too many greenhouse gases are added to the atmosphere, too much heat is trapped. This causes Earth's temperature to rise, leading to global warming.

Climate change is a bigger concept that includes global warming, but also covers changes in other weather patterns. For example, some areas may get more rain while others experience droughts. Winters might become shorter, and summers hotter. Storms, hurricanes, and wildfires can also become stronger or happen more often due to changes in the climate.

Most scientists agree that human activities, such as burning fossil fuels like coal, oil, and gas, are the main cause of global warming. When we drive cars, use electricity from power plants, or cut down trees, we release more greenhouse gases into the air. These extra gases make the greenhouse effect stronger, leading to faster warming.

Real-world examples of climate change can be seen all over the world. In the Arctic, sea ice is melting, causing polar bears to lose their homes. In some places, summers are getting hotter and heatwaves are more common. Farmers notice that crops may not grow as well because of changing weather. People living near the coast may see higher sea levels and more flooding.

Understanding the difference between global warming and climate change is important. While global warming is about Earth's temperature rising, climate change describes all the effects from this warming and other changes to the climate system.

Interesting Fact: If all the ice in Antarctica melted, sea levels could rise by about 58 meters (190 feet) worldwide!

What is global warming?

Rise in Earth's average temperatureDecrease in rainfallIncrease in ocean waterMelting of polar bears

What traps heat in Earth's atmosphere?

Greenhouse gasesClouds onlyOcean waterTrees and plants

Which is NOT a greenhouse gas?

OxygenCarbon dioxideMethaneNitrous oxide

What causes most global warming?

Human activitiesEarthquakesVolcanoesOcean waves

How can climate change affect farmers?

Crops may not grow wellMore snow fallsFarms become mountainsNo effect on crops

Why is the greenhouse effect important?