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

Researchers say the findings reinforce a troubling reality about climate change.

From Science Daily • May 22, 2026

Climate transition bonds are aimed at raising funds to tackle climate change by reducing greenhouse-gas emissions and achieving carbon neutrality in Japan.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 22, 2026

As climate change alters the food chain in the Arctic, more and more gray whales are moving into San Francisco Bay in search of food, putting them in harm’s way.

From Los Angeles Times • May 21, 2026

Coal is a key contributor to planet-warming greenhouse gas emissions, and phasing it out is crucial to taming climate change.

From Barron's • May 20, 2026

And boy, talk about somebody who wasn’t afraid to argue with her dad when he went off about climate change!

From "Two Degrees" by Alan Gratz