What term describes the gradual increase in the Earth's average surface temperature?

The term that describes the gradual increase in the Earth's average surface temperature is "global warming." This phenomenon is primarily attributed to the increase in greenhouse gases in the atmosphere due to human activities, such as burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial processes. These gases trap heat from the sun, leading to an increase in global temperatures.

Global warming is a major component of climate change, which encompasses not only temperature increases but also shifts in weather patterns, melting ice caps, and rising sea levels. Understanding this term is critical for addressing the related environmental challenges and implementing effective policies for mitigation and adaptation.

In contrast, climate variability refers to natural fluctuations in the climate system that occur over varying periods, without necessarily implying a long-term trend. Ecosystem change involves alterations in the structure and function of ecosystems, often due to external pressures like climate change, pollution, and habitat destruction, but it does not specifically denote the increase in average temperature. Environmental degradation encompasses a wide range of environmental problems, including soil erosion, deforestation, and loss of biodiversity, but it does not pinpoint the specific temperature rise associated with global warming.