Global Warming: Definitions, Causes, and Effects

Global warming definition

Global warming is a gradual, long-term increase in the average temperature of Earth's atmosphere due to the greenhouse effect where gasses from various human activities, including the burning of fossil fuels, trap heat from solar radiation.

A vast majority of scientists worldwide agree that global warming is very real and, if left unaddressed, could result in devastating effects for humanity. More than 99% of peer-reviewed scientific research acknowledges that humans are the major cause of this problem.

Causes of global warming

Global warming comes from the over-accumulation of greenhouse gasses (GHGs) such as carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrous oxide (N2O), and methane (CH4) in the Earth's atmosphere. The excess greenhouse gasses can come from a variety of sources, though most involve burning fossil fuels in some way:

• Electricity generation: Burning coal, natural gas or other fossil fuels to generate electricity accounts for about a quarter of greenhouse gas emissions in the US, the EPA estimates.
• Transportation: Burning fuel to move people and goods is one of the largest sources of GHGs in the US.
• Buildings: Fossil fuels burned to heat buildings and refrigerants that leak out of cooling systems are major sources of GHGs in buildings.
• Deforestation: Deforestation removes the trees that act as a natural GHG filter, absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen into our atmosphere.
• Agricultural practices: Modern farming accounts for more than 10% of all human-produced greenhouse gas emissions, according to the EPA, largely due to livestock and rice cultivation.
• Consumer goods: The energy used in the manufacturing and transportation of consumer goods leads to increased greenhouse gas emissions.
• Mining: Operations that rely on fossil fuels emit significant levels of GHGs.
• Waste disposal: When plastics and other non-biodegradable waste decompose, it releases toxic gasses into the environment and the potent GHG methane.

Credit: NOAA

Effects of global warming

A scientific report published by the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) outlines the serious effects of global warming and global climate change as follows.

• Higher temperatures: The average temperature on the Earth has increased by 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 degrees Fahrenheit) since 1900, and scientists predict that this trend will continue.
• Rising sea level: Sea levels along the United States coastline are projected to rise between 10 and 12 inches by 2050, which will bring more frequent damaging flooding to islands, coastal cities, and ecosystems.
• Extreme weather events: Global warming has been linked to an increase in extreme weather events, such as floods, tornadoes, and hurricanes, which can cause deaths, famine, and disease. There have been more weather events that cause $1 billion in damage in recent years, according to Climate Central.
• Plant and animal extinction: Rising global temperatures can cause parts of the planet to become uninhabitable for many native plant and animal species.
• Ocean acidification: Because of escalating carbon dioxide emissions, oceans are becoming more acidic and less hospitable to certain marine life.
• Dirtier air: Hotter temperatures lead to more smog, which can trigger respiratory problems and aggravate existing health conditions.
• Disappearing polar ice: When the water frozen in polar sea ice melts into the oceans, it can have a huge impact on rising sea levels and speed up the heating of Earth’s atmosphere. 2025 had the lowest recorded maximum sea ice coverage and the second-lowest average since record keeping began, according to NOAA.

Addressing global warming with renewable energy

Renewable, carbon-free electricity won’t address every source of GHGs, but it will cover a huge chunk.

Electricity generation accounted for 25% of all greenhouse gas emissions in the US in 2022. At the same time, demand for electricity is rising with new, power-hungry data centers being built. That demand will grow more as more furnaces get swapped out for heat pumps and electric vehicles replace gas-powered ones.

Renewable energy, like solar, wind and hydroelectric, can help emissions even as demand for electricity increases.

Global warming vs climate change

While some people use global warming and climate change interchangeably, they can be used to refer to slightly different things.

• Global warming is the rise in the temperature of the Earth's atmosphere.
• Climate change is the suite of changes brought on by the rise in temperatures.
• Both are spurred on by the rising levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere from burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and other causes

How to stop global warming

Addressing global warming will take large-scale changes that are beyond what any one person can control. However, there’s plenty that individuals can do to reduce their contribution to the problem, from adopting simple lifestyle changes to using green energy.

• Use renewable energy: Using home solar panels can reduce your carbon footprint (and lower your electricity bill).
• Opt for sustainable transportation: Walk, bike, carpool, invest in an electric vehicle, or switch your daily commute to public transportation instead of driving a vehicle solo.
• Change your diet: Diets heavy in meat and animal products typically produce more greenhouse gasses than those rich in vegetables, nuts, and beans.
• Recycle: Send paper, plastics, aluminum, and glass to your local recycling center or composted whenever possible.
• Support the groups taking climate actions: Joining with others can amplify your donations or actions, whether that’s to advocate for positive change in your community, elect leaders who will address the issue or help people adapt to a warmer world.

Credit: IPCC

Global warming and your environmental impact

Our world is heating up. Because of global warming, temperatures are increasing and extreme weather is becoming more common. If we don't take preventative action now, future generations will face even worse effects.

There are dozens of actions you can take, from installing solar panels, to using less energy, to driving an electric vehicle, to planting trees.

Solar panels generate electricity without the carbon emission and are already generating electricity around the globe. Installing a solar panel system on your home is meaningful climate action and has the added benefit of helping to lower your utility bills.

Get started today with a free quote to see how much you could save with solar panels, including an estimate of your personal environmental impact. And, download the Palmetto app to see how you can save energy and money at home.

Frequently asked questions

What is a simple definition of global warming?

Global warming is the gradual increase in global temperatures due to human activities like burning fossil fuels.

What is the main cause of global warming?

Global warming is largely driven by the use of fossil fuels for energy, though agriculture, land use, and other factors play a role.

What can I do to address global warming?

Avoiding the worst effects of climate change will require governments, companies, and international coalitions to take action, but individual actions in your home is also critical. Installing solar panels, electrifying your home, and swapping your gas-powered car for an electric one are valuable steps. Smaller actions that conserve energy, like switching off lights and using less hot water add up. Reducing the amount of meat you eat and changing how you travel can make a difference too.