what is the meaning of global warming

Temperatures in the Earth's atmosphere are rising or warming, along with waters and soil.

http://web.mit.edu/12.000/www/m2010/finalwebsite/background/globalwarming/definition.html

You can always find info on both sides of this topic. Here's another from MIT:

http://www.technologyreview.com/article/416786/global-warming-vs-the-next-ice-age/

I like to read whatever I can find, mostly from sources I consider reputable, such as MIT and other well respected universities. Read everything you can!

Global warming refers to the long-term increase in Earth's average surface temperature due to the buildup of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. This phenomenon is primarily caused by human activities, including the burning of fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas, as well as deforestation and certain agricultural practices.

To understand the meaning of global warming, it is important to explore the science behind it:

1. The greenhouse effect: Certain gases, known as greenhouse gases, trap heat in the Earth's atmosphere. The most significant greenhouse gas is carbon dioxide (CO2), but others include methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), and fluorinated gases. These gases act like a blanket, allowing sunlight to pass through but trapping the heat radiating from the Earth's surface.

2. Human activities: The burning of fossil fuels for energy releases substantial amounts of CO2 into the atmosphere. Deforestation, on the other hand, reduces the Earth's capacity to absorb CO2 since trees play a crucial role in absorbing this greenhouse gas. Additionally, agricultural practices, such as raising livestock or using nitrogen-based fertilizers, release methane and nitrous oxide, respectively.

3. Enhanced greenhouse effect: Human activities have increased the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, leading to an enhanced greenhouse effect. This results in more heat being trapped, causing a steady rise in global temperatures.

The consequences of global warming are far-reaching and include increased temperatures, rising sea levels, extreme weather events, disruptions in ecosystems, and threats to human health and well-being.

To gain a more comprehensive understanding of global warming, it is helpful to consult reputable scientific sources, news articles, and reports from organizations such as the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) or National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). These sources provide extensive research and data on the topic.