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

There is no doubt that our summers are changing due to human-induced global warming.

From BBC

It focuses on boosting zero-emission vehicle adoption and reducing tailpipe emissions in communities dealing with some of the nation’s worst air quality and most rapidly intensifying effects from global warming.

From Los Angeles Times

Under the most recent Republican administrations, NASA’s involvement in Earth science — that is, research into global warming and other climate change — has consistently come under fire.

From Los Angeles Times

So, as the world struggles to reduce those emissions, any processes that absorb and lock significant amounts of carbon might help to rein in global warming.

From BBC

The number of tropical storms that reach category four and five is projected to increase due to global warming.

From BBC