What is global warming?
Global warming refers to the long-term rise in Earth's average surface temperature, driven primarily by human activities that release greenhouse gases — carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide — into the atmosphere. These gases trap heat that would otherwise escape into space, creating an enhanced greenhouse effect.
The industrial revolution marked the beginning of a steep rise in emissions. Since the late 1800s, the planet has warmed by roughly 1.2°C.
Key facts
1.2°C
Warming since pre-industrial times
18 of 19
Warmest years have occurred since 2000
420+ ppm
CO₂ concentration (highest in 3M+ years)
~1m
Species at risk of extinction from climate change
Why does it matter?
The effects are already visible and accelerating:
- Extreme weather — more intense heatwaves, hurricanes, floods, and droughts.
- Sea level rise — melting ice sheets and glaciers are raising oceans by ~3.7 mm per year, threatening coastal communities.
- Ecosystem collapse — coral bleaching, shifting habitats, and mass die-offs disrupt food chains.
- Food and water stress — changing rainfall patterns harm crop yields and freshwater availability for billions.
- Human displacement — the World Bank estimates over 200 million people could be internally displaced by 2050 due to climate impacts.
What can be done?
There is no single fix, but the path forward combines several levers:
- Transition to clean energy — solar, wind, and other renewables are now cheaper than fossil fuels in most markets.
- Electrify everything — shift transport, heating, and industry from combustion to electricity.
- Protect and restore ecosystems — forests, wetlands, and mangroves are natural carbon sinks.
- Improve efficiency — better insulation, efficient appliances, and reduced food waste cut emissions without sacrificing quality of life.
- Policy and investment — carbon pricing, green subsidies, and international cooperation amplify action.
The IPCC states that to limit warming to 1.5°C, global emissions must halve by 2030 and reach net-zero by 2050.
Why there is hope
Renewable energy is scaling faster than any energy technology in history. Solar capacity doubles roughly every three years. Electric vehicle sales grew 60% year-on-year in 2023. Over 90 countries have pledged net-zero targets. The cost of inaction is high — but the tools to act exist today.