What term describes the effect of increased greenhouse gases leading to climate change?

The term that best describes the effect of increased greenhouse gases leading to climate change is global warming. This phenomenon refers to the long-term rise in Earth’s average surface temperature due to human activities, primarily the burning of fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial processes, which release carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. These gases trap heat from the sun, preventing it from escaping back into space, which results in a warming effect.

Understanding global warming is crucial as it encompasses multiple consequences, including rising sea levels, more extreme weather events, and shifts in wildlife populations and habitats. Awareness of this term helps in addressing the broader implications of climate change and in motivating action to mitigate its impacts.

In contrast, environmental degradation refers to the deterioration of the environment through depletion of resources, destruction of ecosystems, and loss of biodiversity, which can be influenced by various factors, not solely greenhouse gases. Ozone depletion involves the thinning of the ozone layer, primarily due to man-made chemicals, while desertification signifies the process by which fertile land becomes desert, often as a result of drought, deforestation, or inappropriate agriculture. Each of these terms addresses different environmental issues and mechanisms, making global warming the most accurate choice for the described effect.