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Answer: For the majority of human history, the Earth's climate has exhibited a remarkable stability. Evidence supporting this assertion can be gleaned from historical temperature records, some of which extend back to the mid-1800s, while others rely on reconstructions derived from various sources such as tree rings. However, a noticeable shift has occurred since approximately the middle of the 20th century, as indicated by an upward trajectory in the global temperature record. This phenomenon, commonly referred to as global warming, encompasses not only rising temperatures but also encompasses additional changes, including the melting of ice and the thermal expansion of the oceans, both of which contribute significantly to the rise in sea levels.