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気候変動
kikō hendō
climate change
気候変動は地球温暖化と深く関連している。
Climate change is deeply linked to global warming.
formal
Long-term shifts in global temperatures and weather patterns, primarily caused by human activities such as burning fossil fuels.
政府は気候変動対策として再生可能エネルギーの導入を進めている。
The government is promoting the adoption of renewable energy as a climate change measure.
気候変動の影響で、世界各地で異常気象が頻発している。
Due to climate change, abnormal weather events are occurring frequently around the world.
Often used interchangeably with 地球温暖化 (global warming), though technically climate change encompasses broader changes beyond just temperature.
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Distinguishing 気候変動 vs 地球温暖化
気候変動 (climate change) is the broader term, including temperature rise, altered precipitation patterns, and extreme weather. 地球温暖化 (global warming) specifically refers to the increase in Earth's average temperature, primarily due to greenhouse gases. In Japanese media, both terms are often used, but climate change is the more scientifically accurate umbrella term.
Gold Rule
Usage in Formal vs Informal Contexts
In formal writing (academic papers, government reports), use 気候変動. In casual conversation, 地球温暖化 may be more commonly heard, though this is technically less precise.
Word Origin
Composed of 気候 (climate) + 変動 (change/fluctuation). 気候 derives from Chinese 氣候 (qìhòu), and 変動 from 変 (change) + 動 (move). The term gained prominence in Japanese media in the late 20th century as awareness of environmental issues grew.
Usage Notes
Commonly used in scientific, policy, and media contexts. In Japanese, it is the standard term for the global phenomenon, whereas 地球温暖化 (global warming) is sometimes used colloquially but is technically a subset of climate change.
Word Breakdown
気候
climate
root変動
change/fluctuation
root和英辞典