global warming

[gloh-buhl wawrm-ing]

noun

1. an increase in the earth's average atmospheric temperature that causes corresponding changes in climate, as a consequence of the greenhouse effect.

global warming

noun

1. an increase in the average temperature worldwide believed to be caused by the greenhouse effect

global warming

1. An increase in the average temperature of the Earth's atmosphere, especially a sustained increase great enough to cause changes in the global climate. The Earth has experienced numerous episodes of global warming through its history, and currently appears to be undergoing such warming. The present warming is generally attributed to an increase in the greenhouse effect , brought about by increased levels of greenhouse gases, largely due to the effects of human industry and agriculture. Expected long-term effects of current global warming are rising sea levels, flooding, melting of polar ice caps and glaciers, fluctuations in temperature and precipitation, more frequent and stronger El Niños and La Niñas, drought, heat waves, and forest fires.

2. See more at greenhouse effect

global warming

1. The term attached to the notion that the Earth's temperature is increasing due to the greenhouse effect.

Whether global warming is actually happening is a subject of scientific debate.

Word History and Origins

Origin of global warming¹

First recorded in 1975–80

Example Sentences

The agreement included an initiative for countries to collaborate on a voluntary basis to reduce carbon emissions and strive to limit global warming to 1.5C relative to pre-industrial levels.

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Earth's temperature is rising more quickly than countries expected when they agreed in Paris to keep global warming within 1.5°C above "pre-industrial levels."

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She said: "If the planet's largest carbon sink becomes less effective, it will accelerate the rate at which CO2 accumulates in the atmosphere, amplifying global warming trends."

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The Republican leader has also withdrawn from the Paris Agreement, an international treaty to limit global warming and has imposed unilateral tariffs on a host of trading partners.

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"It's curious to see that those who have contributed to global warming are surprised by the heat in the Amazon," he said.

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