Permafrost Thaw
Permafrost is permanently frozen soil that is at risk of melting due to climate change, causing the release of even more powerful heat-trapping gases, carbon and methane, into the air. In Alaska, ground temperatures have already increased throughout the state since the late 1970s, and permafrost is thawing in many places.
Read MoreEarth Systems Signals
Global warming is causing widespread and rapid changes in the atmosphere, ocean, cryosphere and biosphere.
Heat Signals
The Earth is getting hotter due to human activities that release heat-trapping gases into the atmosphere.
Drought Signals
Climate change is making droughts more likely to occur, and more severe when they do.
Wildfires Signals
Climate change is increasing the size, frequency, intensity and seasonality of wildfires.
Hurricanes Signals
Warmer temperatures increase the rate of water evaporation, which feeds moisture and energy into storms.
Floods Signals
Worsening floods due to climate change are putting a growing number of communities at risk.