The average global temperature refers to the long-term increase in Earth's surface temperature due to human activities such as burning fossil fuels, deforestation and other industrial processes. This phenomenon is commonly referred to as climate change or global warming. The term "average global temperature rise" specifically means an overall increase in the average temperature of the planet, including both land and sea surfaces, over a long period of time (usually measured over decades). This rise can have significant impacts on ecosystems, weather patterns, and human societies around the world.