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

"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

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

It made solving climate change seem possible, even simple.

From Salon • Jun. 26, 2026

Chris Matts, from the Woodland Trust, said "nature-based systems" are some of the most important tools for tackling climate change, but said bureaucracy was an issue.

From BBC • Jun. 26, 2026

He'd helped to broker the Paris Agreement on climate change, brought tens of thousands of troops home from Iraq and Afghanistan, and led the effort to effectively shut down Iran's nuclear program.

From "Becoming" by Michelle Obama