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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Residential natural gas use has decreased, as have heating degree days
The amount of natural gas used by the average American at home during the winter has decreased since 1974, mirroring the decrease in heating degree days. For details, see the Residential Energy Use indicator. -
Lakes are freezing later
The lakes shown in this figure are generally freezing later than they did in the past. First freeze dates have shifted later by roughly half a day to one-and-a-half days per decade. For details, see the Lake Ice indicator. -
Winters have become warmer
Temperatures have risen more rapidly in winter than in any other season. Since 1896, average winter temperatures across the contiguous 48 states have increased by nearly 3°F. While the largest increases were across the northern states, all 48 states experienced winter warming. For details, see the Seasonal Temperature indicator. -
Glaciers are shrinking
On average, glaciers worldwide have been losing ice since at least the 1970s. Shrinking ice sheets and glaciers add water to the oceans, which contributes to rising sea level. For details, see the Glaciers indicator.