Global warming is driven by the **greenhouse effect**, where certain gases in Earth's atmosphere trap heat. **Carbon dioxide (CO2)**, **methane (CH4)**, and **nitrous oxide (N2O)** are key greenhouse gases, released through activities like **burning fossil fuels**, **deforestation**, and **industrial processes**. These gases absorb and re-radiate infrared radiation, preventing heat from escaping into space and causing Earth's average temperature to rise. This warming leads to **melting ice caps**, **rising sea levels**, and **extreme weather** events. Human-induced global warming accelerates these changes, impacting ecosystems, weather patterns, and sea levels, with significant implications for environmental and human health.