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

Trees can help tackle climate change by absorbing carbon dioxide, offering cooler shaded areas in hot weather and acting as part of flood defence systems.

From BBC • Jun. 26, 2026

The unprecedented heatwave, where temperatures have topped 40C in some areas, has revived debate on the subject, as the extreme heat is expected to become more frequent, last longer and intensify with climate change.

From Barron's • Jun. 26, 2026

While its chief executive, John Browne, was rebranding his company as Beyond Petroleum, BP sought out researchers who were already thinking about how to address climate change without replacing fossil fuels.

From Salon • Jun. 26, 2026

"We know that nature-based systems are really some of our most important tools in the box for dealing with climate change," he said, adding that bureaucracy was a challenge.

From BBC • Jun. 26, 2026

And arguing about climate change was definitely not peaceful.

From "Two Degrees" by Alan Gratz