There has been debate recently about whether climate change should actually be called a “climate crisis” or “climate emergency.” Whatever the description, scientists have been observing changes in our environment for years. Here’s a look at some of the key concepts.

Climate change and global warming — are they the same thing?

Not exactly. Global warming refers to rising temperatures, which is only one aspect of climate change. Climate change is a broader umbrella term that captures the effects of greenhouse gases, but these gases affect more than just warming temperatures, said Laura Coristine, a conservation biologist at the University of British Columbia Okanagan.

Climate change…