climate change only implies that the climate is changing, while global warming is a more emotionally charged term since it's more specific (warming) and urgent (global). Therefore, global warming is more controversial since it is more likely to cause fear in people. How do you respond to hearing the terms in the media or at school is your own opinion. Some people refuse to believe or acknowledge global warming, and when directly confronted by it (from another person perhaps), they may lash out. Others care deeply for the future of the earth so they may feel strongly about the topic of global warming.
