Global warming refers to the increase in the Earth's average surface temperature due to a buildup of greenhouse gases from human activity like the burning of fossil fuels. This is enhancing the greenhouse effect. Natural factors like variations in solar activity and volcanoes likely contributed to some warming from pre-industrial times. Global warming is causing broader effects such as glacial melting, sea level rise, and changes in extreme weather. Other impacts include alterations to agriculture, new shipping routes, and species extinction. We can help address global warming by reducing energy usage, recycling, using public transportation, and installing solar panels.