1.
climate change
Long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns, especially those caused by human activities.
気候変動 is the standard Japanese term for "climate change."
WORD FORMATION:
気候 (climate) + 変動 (change, fluctuation) = 気候変動
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 気候変動対策 - climate change measures
- 気候変動の影響 - effects of climate change
- 気候変動枠組み条約 - Framework Convention on Climate Change
- 気候変動に対処する - to address climate change
気候変動 VS 地球温暖化:
地球温暖化 (global warming) refers specifically to rising temperatures, while 気候変動 (climate change) is broader, encompassing all shifts in climate patterns.