climate

/ˈklaɪmɪt/noun

The general mood or set of conditions surrounding a situation, such as politics or public opinion.

Example sentence

“In the current economic climate, few companies are hiring.”

In this figurative sense it wants a modifier: political climate, economic climate, climate of fear.

Related words

sunsetThe time in the evening when the sun drops below the horizon in the west.horizonThe distant line where the land or sea seems to touch the sky.sunriseThe moment in the morning when the sun rises above the horizon in the east.waterfallWater pouring down over the edge of a steep drop or cliff.volcanoA type of firework that sends a fountain of sparks shooting upward.meadowAn open area of grassy land, often grown so the grass can be cut for hay.