EPA releases report detailing evidence of climate change

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently released the fourth edition of its "Climate Change Indicators in the United States" report, which shows evidence of climate change through statistical trends in 37 climate indicators.

The report states carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere are at their highest level in 800,000 years, and that eight of the 10 warmest years on record, in terms of surface air temperatures, have occurred in the last 18 years, with 2012 and 2015 being the two warmest on record.

The report also shows rising sea levels between 1960 and 2015 and record lows of sea ice in the Arctic Sea. Warmer temperatures in ocean waters have impacted the distribution of marine species, pushing many cold-water species further north and into deeper waters. Further, warmer temperatures on land have led to longer ragweed pollen seasons in 10 of 11 locations studied in the U.S. and Canada.

“With each new year of data, the signs of climate change are stronger and more compelling,” EPA Office of Air and Radiation Acting Assistant Administrator Janet McCabe said. “This report reiterates that climate change is a present threat and underscores the need to reduce greenhouse gas pollution and prepare for the changes underway, to protect Americans’ health and safeguard our children’s future.”