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

The global infrastructure buildout is an opportunity to create more resilient and sustainable structures that can adapt to climate change, point out several advisors.

From Barron's • Jun. 10, 2026

Although the sighting came shortly after Wales recorded its hottest May day on record, with temperatures above 32C, Williams does not link it to climate change.

From BBC • Jun. 9, 2026

The researchers say proactive, evidence based planning will become increasingly important as climate change continues to alter habitats and shift species distributions.

From Science Daily • Jun. 8, 2026

The scientific evidence of climate change is overwhelming.

From Salon • Jun. 8, 2026

At all the thousands of people leaving the National Mall to go home and rally their own communities against climate change.

From "Two Degrees" by Alan Gratz