Climate Change Impacts by Sector

Climate change is happening. Global average temperature increased about 1.7°F between 1970 and 2023.¹  During the same period, temperatures have risen around 2.5°F in the contiguous United States and 4.2°F in Alaska.² Changes of one or two degrees in the average temperature of the planet can cause potentially dangerous shifts in climate and weather. These real, observable changes are what we call climate change impacts​​​​​​ because they are the visible ways that climate change is affecting the Earth. For example, many places have experienced changes in rainfall, resulting in more floods, droughts, or intense rain, as well as more frequent and severe heat waves. 

These changes, in turn, can have significant impacts on our lives, security, and well-being. Much of human civilization and the economy depend on the natural environment for stability, predictability, and raw resources. Climate change will affect the relationship we have with the environment, including in the specific sectors outlined on this page. Explore how climate change will affect these sectors to gain a deeper understanding of the risks, scale, and ways we can take action.

Explore the sectors:

• Agriculture and Food Supply
• Air Quality
• Built Environment
• Coasts
• Ecosystems
• Energy
• Freshwater Resources
• Forests
• Health
• Ocean and Marine Resources
• Transportation

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References

¹ Marvel, K. et al. (2023). Ch. 2: Climate Trends. Fifth National Climate Assessment. U.S. Global Change Research Program, Washington, DC, p. 2-11.

² Marvel, K. et al. (2023). Ch. 2: Climate Trends. Fifth National Climate Assessment. U.S. Global Change Research Program, Washington, DC, p. 2-11.