Climate Change Indicators in the United States (2012)

Posted on: 3/23/2013 - Updated on: 2/27/2020

Posted by

Rachel Gregg

Published

Abstract

Climate Change Indicators in the United States 2012 presents 26 indicators to help readers better understand observed trends related to the causes and effects of climate change. This document updates a report published by EPA in 2010. Various government agencies, academic institutions, and other organizations contributed data critical to the development of this report. EPA also received feedback from a diverse group of scientists, researchers, and communications experts in the public and private sectors. This feedback helped to inform the content and new features of this 2012 report. All of the indicators in this report are based on data that have been collected and compiled according to protocols accepted by the scientific community. The indicators were chosen using a standard set of criteria that considered usefulness, objectivity, data quality, transparency, ability to meaningfully communicate, and relevance to climate change. In addition, the report was peer-reviewed by independent technical experts.
 

Who Is This Report For?
Climate Change Indicators in the United States 2012 is written with the primary goal of informing readers’ understanding of climate change. In addition to presenting climate change observations and trends in the United States and globally, this report highlights the far-reaching significance of these changes and their possible consequences for people, the environment, and society. This report is also designed to be useful for scientists,
analysts, decision-makers, educators, and others who can use climate change indicators as a tool for:

  • Assessing trends in environmental quality, factors that influence the environment, and effects on ecosystems and society.
  • Effectively supporting science-based decisionmaking and communication.
  • Evaluating existing and future climate-related policies and programs.

 

What’s New?
The 2012 report reflects the following new features and changes:

  • Three new indicators: Snowfall, Streamflow, and Ragweed Pollen Season. These additions provide further evidence of climate change and its effects that are being felt by different kinds of ecosystems, as well as by society.
  • Expanded indicators: Arctic Sea Ice was expanded to show changes in the age of ice and Snow Cover was expanded to show changes in snow cover for particular seasons. Several decades of historical data were added to Drought, and the 2010 Heat Waves indicator was converted to High and Low Temperatures.
  • Updated indicators: Nearly all indicators have been updated with additional years of data that have become available since the last report.
  • Regional perspectives: Several indicators include maps that show how trends vary by region.