global warming

The generally accepted definition of global warming is the process of increasing the average temperature on the Earth's surface due to an increased concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. This process is considered to be the result of human activity, especially the burning of fossil fuels and other industrial activities, which produce and release a large amount of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.

Global warming causes greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O) and hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs, PFCs, SF6) to capture more of the heat obtained from sunlight and keep it nearby the surface of the Earth. This process leads to increasing temperatures on Earth, changes the climate and has harmful consequences for the environment, ecosystems and human societies.

Scientific evidence and observations show that global warming has multiple consequences, including an increase in the Earth's average surface temperature, climate change, changes in rainfall patterns, sea level rise, melting glaciers and loss of biodiversity. These changes have an impact on the environment, agriculture, water resources, health and other aspects of life on Earth.

Therefore, states and international organizations are trying to push for the minimization of greenhouse gas emissions and are looking for ways to limit global warming and its negative consequences. International agreements and initiatives, such as the Paris Agreement, aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote sustainable forms of development in order to minimize global warming and contribute to environmental protection. At the same time, various laws, rules and regulations are introduced for energy efficiency and the minimization of emissions in the industrial sector as well as in households (see e.g. energy classes of appliances).