Climate Change Indicators in the United States
Temperatures are rising, snow and rainfall patterns are shifting, and more extreme climate events – like heavy rainstorms and record high temperatures – are becoming more common. Many of these observed climate changes are linked to rising levels of greenhouse gases in our atmosphere, caused by human activities. EPA’s indicators provide evidence of these changes and their impacts on people and the environment. EPA partners with dozens of data contributors to compile and keep these indicators up to date.
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View the Indicators
Check out more than 50 indicators that show the causes and effects of climate change.
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Dig into the Data
Explore the data with maps and figures.
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Indicator Stories
Follow along with detailed narratives and supporting data about specific effects of climate change.
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About the Indicators
Learn about how EPA develops indicators, find answers to frequent questions, and access publications.
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Dwindling Arctic sea ice.
Sea ice in the Arctic Ocean supports wildlife and the traditional lifestyle of Indigenous communities. It also helps to keep the planet cool by reflecting sunlight. More than 40 years of data show that as the Earth has warmed, the area covered by Arctic sea ice has been shrinking, and fewer patches of ice are persisting for multiple years. See the latest data in the Arctic Sea Ice indicator. -
Shrinking glaciers.
As the Earth warms, glaciers have become smaller as they lose more ice than they can accumulate through new snowfall. The water lost from these melting glaciers ends up in the oceans, contributing to sea level rise. For many communities and ecosystems, shrinking glaciers mean disruption in a reliable source of freshwater and drinking water supply. See 70 years of data in the Glaciers indicator. -
Earlier snowmelt.
Many areas of the United States have experienced earlier snowmelt and more winter precipitation falling as rain instead of snow. As a result, the high river and stream flows that are typically associated with snowmelt have shifted earlier in the winter and spring. Earlier flows can mean less water available in reservoirs later in the year to support drinking water needs, irrigation, and electric power generation. Learn more in the Streamflow indicator. -
The Great Lakes are losing ice cover.
Parts of the Great Lakes are freezing for fewer days than they did in the past. Reduced ice cover can affect ecosystems and recreational activities. It also allows more water to evaporate from the lakes. This can increase “lake effect” precipitation nearby and can also lower water levels, which restricts shipping channels. See graphs and maps in the Great Lakes Ice Cover indicator.