global warming
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global warming
The long-term rise in the average temperature of Earth's atmosphere and oceans, caused mainly by human activities. Also referred to as global climate change.
Der Ausstoß von Treibhausgasen ist die Hauptursache für die fortschreitende Erderwärmung.
The emission of greenhouse gases is the main cause of advancing global warming.
The word is clearly composed of 'Erde' (Earth) and 'Erwärmung' (warming). 'Erwärmung' itself is derived from the verb 'erwärmen' (to warm) and describes the process by which something becomes warm. Literally, then, it is the 'Erwärmung der Erde' (warming of the Earth).
Die Erderwärmung ist eine der größten Herausforderungen unserer Zeit.
Global warming is one of the greatest challenges of our time.
'Erderwärmung' (global warming) is often combined with verbs that describe an action or an influence. Common combinations are 'die Erderwärmung bekämpfen' (to combat global warming), 'stoppen' (to stop), 'begrenzen' (to limit), or 'verlangsamen' (to slow down).
Die Politik versucht, die Erderwärmung auf 1,5 Grad zu begrenzen.
Policymakers are trying to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees.
The word often appears in connection with its effects or causes. Very typical phrases are 'die Folgen der Erderwärmung' (the consequences of global warming) and 'die Ursachen der Erderwärmung' (the causes of global warming).
Extremwetterereignisse gelten als eine Folge der Erderwärmung.
Extreme weather events are considered a consequence of global warming.
climate change
'der Klimawandel' and 'die Erderwärmung' are often used in the same topic and are sometimes understood almost the same way. 'die Erderwärmung' more specifically means the long-term rise in temperature on Earth. 'der Klimawandel' is broader: it includes warming, but also other changes in the climate, for example more extreme weather or shifting seasons. The words are easy to confuse because global warming is a main cause and an important part of climate change. As a simple guide: 'Erderwärmung' fits when talking about temperatures, while 'Klimawandel' fits when talking about the whole system and its effects.
Die Erderwärmung lässt das Eis in der Arktis schneller schmelzen.
Global warming is causing the ice in the Arctic to melt faster.
Viele Städte planen neue Maßnahmen gegen den Klimawandel.
Many cities are planning new measures against climate change.