climate crisis

American  

[klahy-mit krahy-sis] / ˈklaɪ mɪt ˌkraɪ sɪs /

noun

Climatology.

1. a critical situation in which long-term change in the earth’s climate has severe adverse effects on the environment, necessitating immediate and bold countermeasures.

   Brewers are taking notice as the climate crisis decimates Europe’s barley crops.

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Etymology

Origin of climate crisis

First recorded in 1985–90

Example Sentences

It may feel like nothing we can do as individuals will make a difference to stem the climate crisis.

From Slate • May 15, 2026

But new findings based on sediment records stretching back 3,300 years suggest the story may be more complicated than a simple climate crisis.

From Science Daily • Apr. 27, 2026

Food is one of the most direct ways we can have an impact on the climate crisis.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 13, 2026

The United States insisted at the time that the act was a tool to address the climate crisis and "invest in US economic competitiveness".

From Barron's • Feb. 24, 2026

She said her priorities were investing in pubic services - particularly the NHS - as well as bringing down the cost of living, improving the economy and tackling the climate crisis.

From BBC • Jan. 12, 2026