climate change

American  

[klahy-mit cheynj] / ˈklaɪ mɪt ˌtʃeɪndʒ /

noun

1. a long-term change in the earth's climate, especially a change due to an increase in the average atmospheric temperature.

   Melting glaciers imply that life in the Arctic is affected by climate change.

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Usage

What is climate change? Climate change refers to a sweeping change in global climate conditions, including weather phenomena, temperature, and sea levels. It’s caused by an influx of greenhouse gases, mostly from fossil fuel emissions around the world. These gases trap heat in the atmosphere and change weather patterns, warming many areas of the globe and causing erratic season and weather events. How is term pronounced?[ klahy-mit cheynj ]

Etymology

Origin of climate change

First recorded in 1980–85

Compare meaning

How does climate-change compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• global warming vs. climate change

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

climate change

The society said climate change has accelerated dramatically since some of the current habitat management guidance was written.

From BBC ● Aug. 21, 2026

This may not sound like much, but on top of the heating effect of human-induced climate change it will increase the risks of heatwaves around the world.

From BBC ● Aug. 21, 2026

There is less consensus on whether climate change itself triggers stronger El Ninos, though evidence for this is emerging.

From Barron's ● Aug. 20, 2026

Scientists agree climate change increases El Nino's impacts.

From Barron's ● Aug. 20, 2026

One project looked at the local effects of climate change by measuring the erosion of the cliffs along the coastline.

From "The Wrong Way Home" by Kate O’Shaughnessy