climate change

American  

[klahy-mit chaynj] / 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 research team say climate change is affecting the birds' food supply and survival, and the penguins may now be officially endangered.

From BBC ● Oct. 7, 2026

Pacific nations are using the pre-COP platform to push for more backing for the countries most affected by climate change.

From Barron's ● Oct. 7, 2026

The island’s troubles are another reminder of the unexpected effects of climate change.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 4, 2026

Would climate change and AI be among these hobgoblins today?

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 4, 2026

He'd helped to broker the Paris Agreement on climate change, brought tens of thousands of troops home from Iraq and Afghanistan, and led the effort to effectively shut down Iran's nuclear program.

From "Becoming" by Michelle Obama