Climate Change is Severely Impacting the US and Here are 10 Points to Prove it.

There is no denying how climate change is no longer a distant threat; it’s a harsh reality that the world including the United States is facing today. From rising sea levels to devastating wildfires, the country is experiencing the devastating impacts of a changing climate. In this article, we will explore 10 proven pieces of evidence how climate change is affecting the USA, and what it means for the country’s future.

#1 Rising Sea Levels: A Threat to Coastal Communities

Rising sea levels are projected to continue, with some estimates suggesting an additional 1-6.6 feet of sea level rise by 2100. According to the NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) Technical report of 2022, sea level along the U.S. coastline is projected to rise, on average, 10 – 12 inches (0.25 – 0.30 meters) in the next 30 years (2020 – 2050). This will be as much as the rise measured over the last 100 years (1920 – 2020). This will lead to more frequent and severe coastal flooding, saltwater intrusion into freshwater sources, and loss of coastal land and property.

#2 Increased Wildfires: A Growing Concern

According to latest data, western wildfires have burned 2x more land since 1984, with 2020 being the worst fire season on record. There has been a marked upward trend in wildfires increasing from 58,100 wildfires in 2018 to 69,000 wildfires in 2022. For the year 2024, there have been 29,917 fires recorded till August 15^th according to The National Interagency Fire Center. While the number is below the yearly average, the yearly acres burned (5.2 million +) is above the Year to date (YTD) average of 3.8 million acres which means the destruction has increased.  While 90 % of forest fires are caused by irresponsible humans, hotter temperatures, and dried out vegetation contribute to faster kindling, creating conditions ripe for catastrophic wildfires.

#3 More Frequent Hurricanes: A New Normal

The US has seen a 25% increase in Category 4-5 hurricanes since the 1980s. These powerful storms cause catastrophic damage and loss of life, with climate change projected to further intensify hurricane activity. Rising sea levels and storm surges will also exacerbate coastal flooding and damage. According to the NOAA, 2024 will see an above normal  Atlantic hurricane season, with a 90% probability of this result. The prediction includes 17 to 25 named storms, eight to 13 hurricanes, and four to seven major hurricanes of Category 3 or higher.

#4 Droughts and Heatwaves: A Southwest Crisis

The Southwest has experienced a 20-year megadrought, with record-breaking heatwaves becoming more frequent. 24 years in length, the drought is the driest multi-decade period the region has seen since 800 CE.  This has severe implications for agriculture, water resources, and human health. Droughts and heatwaves will continue to worsen, affecting food production, water availability, and human well-being.

#5 Melting Glaciers: A Symbol of Climate Change

According to Montana Glacier National Park Data, between 1966 and 2015, every named glacier in the park got smaller, some by more than 80%. While the Jackson and Blackfoot glaciers are also melting, it is unsure when or if they will be gone. This visual evidence of climate change serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for action. Glaciers play a crucial role in regulating water flows, and their loss will have far-reaching consequences for ecosystems and human communities.

#6 Ocean Acidification: A Threat to Marine Life

The ocean absorbs around 22 million tons of CO2 per day. Decreasing the pH of the water. US coastal waters have become 30% more acidic since the Industrial Revolution, faster than any known change in ocean chemistry in the last 50 million years. This harms marine ecosystems and the industries that depend on them. Ocean acidification will continue to worsen, affecting marine life, fisheries, and the economy.

#7 Shift in Seasons: Disrupting Ecosystems

Spring is arriving 2.5 days earlier each decade, disrupting delicate ecosystems and the species that inhabit them. This shift in seasons will continue, affecting migration patterns, breeding cycles, and food webs. According to the EPA, spring temperatures have increased by about 2°F, while summer and fall temperatures have increased by about 1.6°F. A trend toward warmer winters and shorter ice seasons. The NOAA currently predicts that there is a 60% probability 2024 will be one of the five warmest years since 1850 and the warmest year in history.

#8 Increased Flooding: A Growing Concern

Heavy rainfall events have increased 40% since 1960, causing more frequent flooding and devastating impacts on communities and infrastructure. Climate change will continue to intensify flooding, affecting urban and rural areas alike. Flooding in the US in 2024 has reached devastating levels with areas like North Sioux City, South Dakota, and Spencer, Iowa being particularly hard hit. Minnesota saw an unprecedented amount of rainfall in June with water levels on the Minnesota, Mississippi, and Missouri rivers at their highest in a decade.

#9 Loss of Coral Reefs: A Marine Tragedy

US coral reefs have lost 30% of their cover since 2009, threatening the rich biodiversity and economic benefits they provide. Coral bleaching, ocean acidification, and warming waters will continue to devastate coral reefs, with severe consequences for marine ecosystems and human livelihoods.

#10 Changes in Precipitation Patterns: A New Normal

The US has seen a 10% increase in extreme precipitation events since 1900, leading to more frequent flooding, droughts, and other climate-related disasters. Climate change will continue to alter precipitation patterns, affecting agriculture, water resources, and human settlements.

Climate change is real, and the biggest concern is states like Alaska with 80% permafrost covering the state. With global warming, these frozen features will recede impacting entire ecosystems, communities, and the Indigenous population. All of these are evidence of the far-reaching impacts of climate change on the United States. It’s essential to acknowledge these changes and take immediate action to mitigate and adapt to the changing climate. The country’s future depends on it.