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

That led to the creation of the United Nations Foundation, which focuses on issues such as global climate change, children’s health and security.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 6, 2026

These include the Turner Foundation, founded in 1990, which supports efforts to fight climate change and improve air and water quality and has given away some $380 million.

From Barron's • May 6, 2026

“California has led the world in responding to the dangers of climate change, and we know that it will continue to do so,” they wrote.

From Los Angeles Times • May 6, 2026

Warmer conditions linked to climate change encourage earlier leaf growth, while pressure from insects pushes trees to delay it.

From Science Daily • May 5, 2026

Owen tried to remember everything the Weather Lady had said about the Arctic and climate change when they’d been out on the tundra last spring.

From "Two Degrees" by Alan Gratz