Global warming is the name given to the slow increase in the average surface temperature of the Earth over the past century. Natural events have previously caused the Earth to experience instances of gradual warming and cooling during its existence. Scientists say that the current global warming, however, is not a natural occurrence, but is caused by humans releasing industrial gases into Earth's atmosphere, burning fossil fuels, and depleting the vast forests of the Earth.

Climate change is also linked to global warming and is documented by observing patterns of precipitation, wind, and ocean currents. The terms climate change and global warming are frequently used to refer to the same phenomenon.