Global warming is caused by an increase in greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide that are released through human activities like burning fossil fuels and deforestation. These gases trap heat in the lower atmosphere, known as the greenhouse effect, first proposed by Joseph Fourier. If greenhouse gas emissions continue to rise, the average global temperature is expected to increase as well, leading to consequences like rising sea levels and more extreme weather events. Reducing carbon emissions from transportation, industry, and energy production can help prevent the worst impacts of climate change.