climate change

noun

: significant and long-lasting change in the Earth's climate and weather patterns
The half-tonne … turtles were thought to have died out 30,000 to 40,000 years ago because of climate change.New Scientist
especially, in current use : such change associated with global warming
Concerns about greenhouse gas emissions and global climate change are renewed among scientists and the public with every new report about the possibility of melting icecaps and rising temperatures. Randy Showstack
Drought is a paleontological fact in the American West, but the latest desiccations have a new signature, and my region's climatologists, hydrologists, foresters, and water managers are nearly unanimous in their conviction that what we are seeing now is climate change, the anthropogenic kind, a consequence of too much CO2 and other greenhouse gases. Kenneth Brower

Examples of climate change in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Some believe climate change was the driving factor, with evidence of long droughts, shifting temperatures, and unpredictable rainfall that could have damaged agriculture in those final few centuries. Jessie Yeung, CNN, 28 Feb. 2025 With climate change driving more frequent and intense weather events, the loss of skilled personnel at the agency is seen as a significant blow to the nation's preparedness. Nik Popli, TIME, 28 Feb. 2025 Cost of climate change As with the cost of other global commodities, supply and demand are a large part of the equation. Kate Gibson, CBS News, 27 Feb. 2025 In South Florida, innovative ideas are being employed every day to deal with climate change threats. Ashley Miznazi, Miami Herald, 27 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for climate change

Word History

First Known Use

1854, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of climate change was in 1854

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Cite this Entry

“Climate change.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/climate%20change. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

climate change

noun
: significant and long-lasting change in the earth's climate and weather patterns
especially : such change associated with global warming
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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