What term describes a sustained increase in Earth's average temperature that may cause climatic changes?

The term that describes a sustained increase in Earth's average temperature is global warming. This phenomenon specifically refers to the long-term rise in the planet's average surface temperature due to human activities, primarily the emission of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and methane. Global warming is a critical aspect of climate change, which encompasses a wider range of changes in climate patterns, such as shifts in precipitation, increased frequency of extreme weather events, and alterations in ecosystems.

The significance of global warming lies in its direct impacts on natural and human systems, leading to consequences such as melting ice caps, rising sea levels, and changing agricultural zones. Understanding this term is vital for studying the foundational causes and effects of climate-related challenges facing the planet today.