Climate Change Indicators in the United States

More Evidence of Our Changing Climate

EPA’s 2014 report tracks climate change with an expanded and updated set of indicators.
Learn more »

Wildfire Risks Mounting

A new indicator shows how the frequency, size, and severity of wildfires have changed during the last 30 years.
Learn more »

Sea Level Continues its Steady Rise

Sea level has risen by more than 8 inches in some places along the Mid-Atlantic and Gulf Coasts since 1960.
Learn more »

Citizen Science Tracks Bird Wintering Ranges

Newly-updated citizen-science data show that since the 1960s, migratory birds have moved their winter breeding sites to the
north by an average of 40 miles.
Learn more »

Drought Continues for Some Regions

Updated data show the scale of 2012’s record droughts and how they persisted into 2013 in some areas.
Learn more »

Get the NEW Report

Download:
Order print copies or send inquiries by emailing: climateindicators@epa.gov.

Key Findings

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 taking place. Scientists are highly confident that many of these observed changes can be linked to the climbing levels of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases in our atmosphere, which are caused by human activities.

EPA is working with many other organizations to collect and communicate data about climate change. With help from these partners, EPA has compiled the third edition of this report, presenting 30 indicators to help readers understand observed long-term trends related to the causes and effects of climate change. In a manner accessible to all audiences, the report describes the significance of these trends and their possible consequences for people, the environment, and society. Most indicators focus on the United States, but some include global trends to provide context or a basis for comparison, or because they are intrinsically global in nature. All of the indicators presented relate to either the causes or effects of climate change, although some indicators show trends that can be more directly linked to human-induced climate change than others. EPA's indicators are based on peer-reviewed, publicly-available data from various government agencies, academic institutions, and other organizations. EPA selected these indicators based on the quality of the data and other criteria, using historical records that go back in time as far as possible without sacrificing data quality.

Indicators will be updated periodically on the Web as newer data become available. For additional information about EPA’s climate change indicators, see Frequent Questions.

* = new in 2014