Final answer:
Global warming refers to the long-term increase in Earth's average surface temperature caused by human activities, primarily the emission of greenhouse gases. This phenomenon can lead to various environmental changes, and addressing it requires reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting sustainable practices.
Step-by-step explanation:
Global warming is the long-term increase in Earth's average surface temperature due to human activities, primarily the burning of fossil fuels that release greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. The most significant greenhouse gas is carbon dioxide (CO2), which traps heat in the atmosphere and contributes to the greenhouse effect.
As more CO2 and other greenhouse gases accumulate in the atmosphere, they enhance the natural greenhouse effect, leading to a warming of the Earth's surface and lower atmosphere. This warming can disrupt our climate system, causing a range of environmental changes such as rising sea levels, melting glaciers, more frequent and intense heatwaves, changes in precipitation patterns, and shifts in ecosystems.
To combat global warming, it is crucial to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by transitioning to cleaner energy sources, promoting energy efficiency, adopting sustainable lifestyles, and implementing international agreements such as the Paris Agreement.
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