# Global warming

The rise in Earth's average temperature caused by extra greenhouse gases from human activity.

Biology (school) · Part 08: Humans and the environment · Card 3 of 10 · Last updated 2026-10-19

## Analogy

Turning up the thermostat of the planet.

## In practice

Warming can melt ice, raise sea levels and change rainfall.

## Practice

### Flashcards

- **What activities add carbon dioxide to the air?** Burning fossil fuels and cutting down forests.

### Interview questions

**Explain how human activities contribute to global warming.**

- Burning fossil fuels releases carbon dioxide
- Deforestation reduces carbon dioxide uptake
- Farming releases methane from cattle and rice paddies
- Greenhouse gases trap more heat, so temperatures rise

## Questions people ask

### What are the effects of global warming?

Likely effects include melting ice caps and glaciers, rising sea levels and more extreme weather such as heatwaves and floods. Habitats change, so some species must move or may die out. Farming areas may shift, and low-lying coastal land could be flooded.

### How can we reduce global warming?

We can use less fossil fuel by switching to renewable energy such as wind and solar, improving energy efficiency and using public transport. Planting trees and protecting forests helps absorb carbon dioxide. Cutting food waste and eating less beef also reduce methane and carbon dioxide.

## Related concepts

- [Deforestation](https://studyvisually.com/learn/science/biology-school/biology-school-part-8/biology-school-part-8-concept-4)
- [Greenhouse effect](https://studyvisually.com/learn/science/biology-school/biology-school-part-8/biology-school-part-8-concept-2)

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