The Difference Between Climate and Weather

Do you know the difference between climate and weather?

IIn the realm of earth sciences, climate and weather are important factors to shaping our environment. In tandem, they give us white-fluffy snowstorms, thunder and lightning, warm summers, and chilly falls. They sustain the conditions for live to thrive, and are the forces of dynamic energy that have shaped our planet since the beginning.

The two also play an integral role in the science around global warming and its impact on shifting weather patterns.

But weather and climate are distinct features of earth’s atmosphere, despite the terms occasionally being used interchangeably.

So, what is the difference between climate and weather? One way to describe it would be "Climate is what you expect, weather is what you get".

sand dunes

What is Climate

Climate is described as a predicted long-term weather pattern within a region. Climate is why the Caribbean is known as a sun-soaked beach paradise, and Antarctica a bone-chilling expanse of ice.

While weather may change within an hour, the climate shifts over the course of decades and centuries. Unlike a meteorologist who makes a weather forecast based on data gathered that same day, climatologists collect data for periods of 30 years or more to determine future weather patterns.

rainy weather

What is Weather

Weather is what you check every morning before heading out the door. It dictates if you need rain boots or flip-flops, shorts or a beanie. It is the short-term (minutes-to-months) state of the atmosphere in a specific location at a specific time. The weather is right outside your window.

Weather is often conceived of in terms of measurements like temperature, precipitation, humidity, and air pressure. It is highly localized and can vary widely over short geographic distances.

global warming climate change

How Climate and Weather Are Changing

Climate and weather are always changing, and, currently, changing in the direction of global warming.

How do we know the planet is warming? According to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the 10 warmest years on record have occurred since 1997. And the National Atmospheric and Oceanographic Administration (NOAA) reports that recent decades have been the warmest since at least around 1000 AD. Those are exactly the kind of patterns that climate scientists study. And as the climate changes, weather changes too, and not always in the ways you'd expect.

Extreme weather events have been increasing both in frequency and intensity in the past few decades, as revealed in the latest IPPC Report on Climate Change.

According to the World Resources Institute, in 2018 we witnessed the second highest number of category 5 cyclones in history; a record 1.6 million acres of California forest lost to wildfires; record levels of flooding in Japan, heat waves in New England during winter, ice storms in sunny Florida, as well as two of the most destructive hurricanes in U.S. history. And let's not forget the polar vortex! It was due to diminishing polar ice that some parts of North America, Europe, and Russia experienced extreme cold in 2017. It turns out that with less polar ice, cold blasts don't stay in their typical patterns, they start to travel below the Arctic. Who knew!? Well... climate scientists did!

And that's just the tip of the metaphorical iceberg when it comes to unusual weather, something we should brace ourselves for, because it's not going to stop anytime soon.

forest fires global warming

TAKING ACTION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE

It can definitely sound theoretical if you haven't been affected much yet, but it matters because the changing climate hints at what you're likely to see more of in the future, so you can be prepared for the unpredictable. Winters could get warmer, summers drier, floods might be more regular.

We need to be informed, adapt, and play a role in the ways that we know humanity can actually address this situation. Atmospheric carbon, methane, and other pollutants have contributed to global warming, and we can definitely do something about that!

By advocating for a transition to renewable energy, contributing to environmental restoration, reducing your carbon footprint, and of course, supporting reforestation to absorb more of these greenhouse gasses, we can make a real impact. Not just for humanity, but for all the life forms we share the planet with.

Plant Trees Where They're Needed Most
Plant Trees Where They're Needed Most
Plant Trees Where They're Needed Most
Plant Trees Where They're Needed Most
Plant Trees Where They're Needed Most
Plant Trees Where They're Needed Most
Plant Trees Where They're Needed Most
Plant Trees Where They're Needed Most
Plant Trees Where They're Needed Most
Plant Trees Where They're Needed Most
Plant Trees Where They're Needed Most
Plant Trees Where They're Needed Most
Plant Trees Where They're Needed Most
Plant Trees Where They're Needed Most
Plant Trees Where They're Needed Most
Plant Trees Where They're Needed Most

Plant Trees Where They're Needed Most

This giving season, join us to empower communities through reforestation. Our Andes project is fostering thriving local economies, safeguarding biodiversity, and building a more resilient future for all. Learn more

With your help, we will:

  • Create jobs and foster prosperity in Andean communities
  • Restore unique ecosystems and safeguard vital watersheds
  • Combat climate change and increase resilience
  • Treecember is One Tree Planted's month-long holiday season celebration of everything nature does for us. This Treecember, we're giving back to communities around the world to make the biggest impact, and that includes local communities that call the Andes homes. The Andes Mountains in South America have faced a significant challenge: deforestation. Once filled with lush forests, this regions has seen a decline in tree cover due to population growth and increased agriculture. The Andes' gnarled polylepis forests are lifelines for Indigenous communities, providing sustenance, water, and livelihoods. And their significance extends beyond the local communities that call them home: these mountains' watersheds feed the Amazon basin, supplying water to countless communities downstream.
  • Our incredible partners in the Andean mountains lead a Latin America-wide initiative to restore high-altitude polylepis forests. Trees in this region are needed now more than ever. By planting trees during the annual Queuña Raymi festival, guided by local leaders and ancient Incan traditions, we restore the landscape, honor Indigenous culture, and deliver tangible benefits. This included restoring wetlands, safeguarding existing forests, and protecting the headwaters of the Amazon. Support reforestation in the Andes by giving the gift of trees this holiday season!
  • personalized tree certificate (see gallery) to say thanks for your donation. We'll also send you reports about our Andes projects, so you can track the impact your trees are having on the ground!
  • Every tree we plant will have an impact on the surrounding ecosystem, and must be selected with great care. We work with our planting partners to ensure the species we select will provide the intended benefits for wildlife and communities.

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