Global warming is caused by greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and methane that are released by human activities such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation. These gases act like a blanket trapping heat in the atmosphere and causing the planet to warm up, with average temperatures rising 1°C in the past century. If not for greenhouse gases, the average temperature would be much colder at -18°C. As the planet continues to warm, it is melting ice caps and glaciers, raising sea levels and causing more extreme weather. Reducing emissions through choices like using less energy, eating locally grown food, and recycling can help address the problem.