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 .

Notes

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

But just as we can’t outrun the laws of physics that underlie global warming, we can’t afford more delay in ending the dangerous burning of fossil fuels.

From Los Angeles Times

For the first time, nearly all UN member states committed themselves to cutting greenhouse gas emissions, based on a scientific consensus that human-made CO2 was driving global warming.

From BBC

Short-lived pollutants play a critical role in global warming.

From Science Daily

Rodell and colleagues suspect that global warming might be contributing to the enduring freshwater depletion.

From Science Daily

He called global warming a hoax, pulled out of the Paris climate agreement, shrank national monuments and appointed Environmental Protection Agency administrators who helped polluters at the expense of public health.

From Los Angeles Times