Climate change indicators in the United States

This report presents 24 indicators, each describing trends related to the causes and effects of climate change.

The report focuses primarily on the United States, but in some cases global trends are presented to provide context or a basis for comparison. It aims to collect data and generate analyses to: (i) monitor the effects/impacts of climate change in the United States; (ii) assist decision–makers on how to best use policymaking and program resources to respond to climate change; (iii) assist in evaluating the success of climate change efforts.

The weather and climate chapter focuses on indicators related to weather and climate patterns, including temperature, precipitation, storms, droughts, and heat waves, which indicators can reveal long-term changes in the Earth’s climate system. The oceans chapter addresses oceans influence climate on regional and global scales, and examines trends in ocean characteristics that relate to climate change, such as acidity, temperature, heat storage, and sea level. Another chapter considers snow- and ice-covered areas and changes affecting air temperatures, sea levels, ocean currents, and storm patterns. Other chapters look at society and ecosystems, and greenhouse gases.