We can use "bring" with concepts, too: e.g. "bring change". The New Year is certain to bring many changes. (Changes will happen in the New Year but no causal relationship is suggested). The meaning of "to bring about" is more specific. "To bring about" is to cause, to effect. You'll need to be persuasive if you wish to bring about any change. (bring about = cause)

Yes. The two words are TOTALLY different.