What impact does global warming have on the Earth's temperature?

Global warming primarily refers to the long-term increase in Earth's average surface temperature due to human activities, particularly the emission of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and methane. This increase in average temperature is largely driven by the greenhouse effect, where these gases trap heat in the atmosphere. As a result, global warming leads to a rise in average temperatures, which can have a variety of effects on weather patterns, ecosystems, and sea levels.

The context of the question emphasizes that global warming is fundamentally about a measurable increase in temperature. This uptick in temperature can result in a range of climate-related issues, such as more frequent and severe weather events, changes in precipitation patterns, and disruptions to natural habitats and agricultural systems. These consequences further highlight why the increase in average temperature remains a critical concern in discussions of environmental systems and societies.