climate change

American  

[klahy-mit chaynj] / 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

See Examples For:

climate change

The film is a satire about an impending climate change apocalypse that’s triggered by the drilling operations of oil tycoon Digger Rockwell, played by Cruise, who looks nearly unrecognizable clad in prosthetics and greying hair.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 4, 2026

The findings, published in the Journal of the American Chemical Society, could provide researchers with another tool for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and addressing climate change, Stylianou said.

From Science Daily ● Oct. 4, 2026

Protecting all heritage sites from the impact of climate change "just may not be possible," according to a National Trust manager.

From BBC ● Oct. 4, 2026

Local scientist Rajneel Singh said climate change was already impacting the waters that have long sustained Tuvalu's population of 10,600.

From Barron's ● Oct. 4, 2026

Akira hadn’t said or done anything about climate change because she didn’t want to ruin her relationship with her dad.

From "Two Degrees" by Alan Gratz