global warming

[ gloh-buhl wawrm-ing ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

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

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

global warming

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.
See more at greenhouse effect

global warming

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

Discover More

Notes

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

Discover More

Word History and Origins

Origin of global warming¹

First recorded in 1975–80

Discover More

Compare Meanings

How does global warming compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

global warming vs. climate change

Discover More

Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

“The same mindset which stands in the way of making radical decisions to reverse the trend of global warming also stands in the way of achieving the goal of eliminating poverty,” he wrote.

From

As the threat posed by US President Donald Trump tops Canada's federal election agenda, the issue of the country's contribution to global warming has been largely overshadowed.

From

There's broad consensus amongst climate scientists that the overwhelming priority is to cut greenhouse gas emissions, the chief cause of global warming.

From

Could the UK actually get colder with global warming?

From

He is, of course, also doing away with any efforts to deal with climate change, including almost instantly reversing some of Joe Biden’s relatively modest attempts to respond to global warming.

From

global village globate

Browse