Global warming

Global warming is a long-term increase in the Earth's average surface temperature. It is part of climate change, which also includes changes in rainfall and other long-term weather patterns. An increase in the global average does not mean that every place becomes warmer by the same amount.

An enhanced greenhouse effect can increase the Earth's average surface temperature: global warming. Climate change is broader than warming alone. It includes long-term changes in weather patterns, such as the distribution of rainfall.