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

For Ravasi, the biggest challenge lies in "just convincing the stakeholders, government and politicians that climate change is happening, and we need to stop it immediately".

From Barron's ● Jul. 29, 2026

This phenomenon, which is new to France, is yet another consequence of human-caused climate change, according to French researcher Jean-Baptiste Filippi, who studies wildfires.

From Barron's ● Jul. 27, 2026

Researchers warn that rising global temperatures due to climate change will lead to more frequent and intense wildfires in the future.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 27, 2026

ELI’s efforts to “provide neutral, objective information to the judiciary” about climate change have been supported by foundations.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 27, 2026

The rest of the movie, you share snacks with Lucy, rolling your eyes together at a cringey line, whispering about sea turtles and climate change.

From "Legendary Frybread Drive-In" by Cynthia Leitich Smith