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 authors note that additional scientific concerns have been raised about other parts of the DOE report, including its treatment of climate change detection and attribution.

From Science Daily • Jul. 2, 2026

But climate change might soon have something to say about that.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 2, 2026

A spokesman for JPMorgan said it has completed its $30 billion racial equity program and is on its way to meeting the $2.5 trillion climate change commitment.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 30, 2026

"What we are witnessing in Accra is not an isolated weather event, but part of a pattern intensified by climate change and rapid, unplanned urbanisation," she said.

From BBC • Jun. 30, 2026

The organization addresses issues ranging from climate change to mass incarceration.

From "Proud" by Ibtihaj Muhammad