What is global warming?

What is global warming?

• A. A decrease in Earth's average surface temperature
• B. An increase in Earth's average surface temperature due to rising levels of greenhouse gases
• C. A temporary weather change
• D. A natural cycle of the Earth

Answer: (B)

Global warming refers specifically to the long-term trend of rising average temperatures on Earth, primarily driven by the accumulation of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, such as carbon dioxide and methane. These gases trap heat from the sun, preventing it from escaping back into space, and as their concentrations increase due to human activities like burning fossil fuels and deforestation, the Earth's average temperature rises. This phenomenon is distinct from natural variations in temperature or temporary weather changes, which can occur due to a variety of seasonal or climatic factors. While the Earth does experience both natural cycles of warming and cooling over geological timescales, the current trend of global warming is largely attributed to anthropogenic influences, meaning it is a direct result of human actions rather than a natural cycle or temporary fluctuation. Thus, the understanding of global warming as an increase in Earth's average temperature as a result of human activity is critical to addressing and mitigating climate change effectively.

Global warming refers specifically to the long-term trend of rising average temperatures on Earth, primarily driven by the accumulation of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, such as carbon dioxide and methane. These gases trap heat from the sun, preventing it from escaping back into space, and as their concentrations increase due to human activities like burning fossil fuels and deforestation, the Earth's average temperature rises.

This phenomenon is distinct from natural variations in temperature or temporary weather changes, which can occur due to a variety of seasonal or climatic factors. While the Earth does experience both natural cycles of warming and cooling over geological timescales, the current trend of global warming is largely attributed to anthropogenic influences, meaning it is a direct result of human actions rather than a natural cycle or temporary fluctuation. Thus, the understanding of global warming as an increase in Earth's average temperature as a result of human activity is critical to addressing and mitigating climate change effectively.