ClimateJune 14, 2026
hiatus
/haɪˈeɪtəs/
Definition
A temporary pause, break, or interval in a series, process, or trend.
Etymology
Derived from the Latin word 'hiatus,' meaning 'an opening, rupture, or gaping,' which is the past participle of 'hiare,' meaning 'to gape.' It entered English in the 16th century to describe physical gaps or openings, later evolving to represent temporal pauses.
In the news
In the article, the term refers to the 'global warming hiatus,' a period where the rise in global surface temperatures temporarily slowed or plateaued. It is included as a key concept in climate science for understanding long-term temperature trends.
China Briefing 11 June 2026: Tech clampdown | Extreme weather | Provinces’ energy plans
Read the full article ↗Carbon Brief