Climate Change Indicators in the United States CONTACT US

Original article published by the EPA

About EPA’s Indicators

The Earth’s climate is changing. Temperatures are rising, snow and rainfall patterns are shifting, and more extreme climate events – like heavy rainstorms and record high temperatures – are already happening. Many of these observed changes are linked to the rising levels of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases in our atmosphere, caused by human activities.

EPA partners with more than 50 data contributors from various government agencies, academic institutions, and other organizations to compile a key set of indicators related to the causes and effects of climate change. These indicators also provide important input to the National Climate Assessment and other efforts to understand and track the science and impacts of climate change. Explore the indicators below. Learn more about EPA’s indicators.

• Snow and Ice Summary
• Arctic Sea Ice
• Antarctic Sea Ice
• Ice Sheets
• Glaciers
• A Closer Look: The Glaciers of Glacier National Park
• Lake Ice
• Great Lakes Ice Cover
• Community Connection: Ice Breakup in Three Alaskan Rivers
• Snowfall
• Snow Cover
• Snowpack
• Permafrost
• Freeze-Thaw Conditions

• Health and Society Summary
• Climate Connection: Climate Change and Human Health
• Heat-Related Deaths
• Heat-Related Illnesses
• Cold-Related Deaths
• Heating and Cooling Degree Days
• Residential Energy Use
• Lyme Disease
• West Nile Virus
• Length of Growing Season
• Growing Degree Days
• Ragweed Pollen Season

• Ecosystems Summary
• Wildfires
• Streamflow
• Stream Temperature
• Tribal Connection: Trends in Stream Temperature in the Snake River
• Lake Temperature
• Great Lakes Water Levels and Temperatures
• Bird Wintering Ranges
• A Closer Look: The Black Guillemots of Cooper Island
• Marine Species Distribution
• Leaf and Bloom Dates
• Community Connection: Cherry Blossom Bloom Dates in Washington, D.C.