Climate warming, also known as global warming, refers to the long-term increase in the average temperature of the Earth's climate system. This is primarily caused by the release of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, such as carbon dioxide and methane, which trap heat and lead to a rise in global temperatures. Climate warming is a significant environmental issue that has a range of effects, including melting polar ice caps, rising sea levels, more frequent and intense extreme weather events, and shifts in ecosystems and biodiversity. This area of research focuses on understanding the causes and impacts of climate warming, as well as developing strategies to mitigate and adapt to its effects.