Global warming is a slow but steady rise in Earth's surface temperature.

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Temperatures today are 0.74 C (1.33 F) higher than 150 years ago.[2] Some
people think that the warming is because of people burning fossil fuels like
coal and oil. Some also think that humans are cutting down too many of the
Earth's forests, a process known as deforestation. Most major governments
and science groups agree with these ideas.
If the Earth's temperature becomes hotter the sea level will also become
higher. This is partly because water expands when it gets warmer. It is also
partly because warm temperatures make glaciers melt. The sea level rise
may cause coastal areas to flood. Weather patterns, including where and how
much rain or snow there is, will change. Deserts will probably increase in size.
Colder areas will warm up faster than warm areas. Strong storms may
become more likely and farming may not make as much food. These effects
will not be the same everywhere. The changes from one area to another are
not well known.
People in government have talked about global warming. They do not agree
on what to do about it. Some things that could reduce warming are to burn
less fossil fuels, adapt to any temperature changes, or try to change the
Earth to reduce warming. The Kyoto Protocol tries to reduce pollution from
the burning of fossil fuels. Most governments have agreed to it. Some people
in government think nothing should change.