Global warming is caused by both natural phenomena and human activities that increase greenhouse gas emissions. As greenhouse gas levels rise, more heat is trapped in the lower atmosphere, causing Earth's average surface temperature to increase. Major greenhouse gases include carbon dioxide (CO2), methane, nitrous oxide, and fluorinated gases. Human sources of these gases include burning fossil fuels, deforestation, farming, industrial processes, and landfills. Impacts of global warming include rising sea levels, changes in weather patterns and precipitation, ocean acidification, and more frequent extreme weather events. Glaciers and ice sheets are also melting, which threatens many animal populations and ecosystems.