Global warming and climate change are two terms that are often used interchangeably, but they have different meanings. Global warming refers to the long-term rise in the average temperature of the Earth's atmosphere, primarily caused by human activities such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation. Climate change, on the other hand, refers to the broader range of changes that are occurring in the Earth's climate system, including rising temperatures, changes in precipitation patterns, and more extreme weather events.

While global warming is a specific aspect of climate change, the two terms are often used interchangeably in popular discourse. However, it's important to recognize that climate change is a more comprehensive term that encompasses a wide range of changes that are occurring in the Earth's climate system. Climate change includes not only rising temperatures, but also changes in precipitation patterns, sea level rise, and more extreme weather events such as heatwaves, droughts, and heavy rainfall.

In conclusion, while global warming and climate change are related concepts, they have different meanings and are not interchangeable. Global warming refers specifically to the long-term rise in the average temperature of the Earth's atmosphere, while climate change refers to the broader range of changes that are occurring in the Earth's climate system. Both terms are important for understanding the complex and far-reaching impacts of human activities on the Earth's climate.