Global warming is the long-term increase in Earth's average surface temperature, primarily caused by human activities since the pre-industrial period (around 1850-1900). This warming is mainly due to the burning of fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and gas, which releases greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide into the atmosphere. These gases trap heat, creating a "blanket" effect that raises global temperatures
. Since the Industrial Revolution, Earth's average surface temperature has risen by about 1.1°C (2°F), with the current warming trend continuing at an unprecedented rate. This increase in temperature is driving widespread changes in climate patterns, including rising sea levels, melting glaciers and polar ice, more frequent and severe extreme weather events (such as heatwaves, storms, droughts, and floods), and ecological disruptions
. While "global warming" specifically refers to the temperature rise, it is often used interchangeably with "climate change," which encompasses the broader range of changes in Earth's climate system caused by this warming, including shifts in weather patterns and environmental impacts
. In summary, global warming is the observed long-term heating of Earth's surface due to human-induced increases in greenhouse gases, leading to significant and ongoing changes in the planet's climate
