The evidence of climate change is overwhelming, supported by decades of data from weather stations, satellites, and ice cores. Global temperatures have now risen by over 1.5 degrees Celsius since the late 19th century, with much of this warming occurring in just the past 40 years. This rapid increase has already triggered significant changes across the planet.
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Some of the clearest signs of climate change include:
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• Rising Temperatures: Each of the past four decades has been warmer than the one before. The last decade was the hottest on record.
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• Shrinking Ice: Arctic sea ice has been declining by 13 percent per decade, and the Greenland ice sheet loses an average of 279 billion tons of ice annually.
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• Rising Sea Levels: Global sea levels are increasing by 3.4 millimeters per year, more than double the average rate seen in the 20th century.
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• Warming Oceans: The top 100 meters of the ocean have warmed by about 0.6 degrees Celsius since 1969. Oceans have absorbed 90 percent of the excess heat caused by global warming.
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These changes are not natural variations - they are linked to the sharp rise in greenhouse gas concentrations caused by human activities, such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation.

One of the most visible and devastating consequences of climate change is the rise in extreme weather events. As the planet warms, the atmosphere holds more energy, fueling stronger and more unpredictable weather systems. These events are already affecting millions of people worldwide and causing billions of dollars in damages.
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Here are some examples of how extreme weather is linked to climate change:
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• Heatwaves: Heatwaves have become more frequent and intense. For example, the summer of 2023 saw record-breaking temperatures across Europe, leading to droughts, wildfires, and thousands of heat-related deaths.
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• Hurricanes and Typhoons: Warmer ocean temperatures are making storms stronger and wetter. Hurricane Harvey in 2017, for instance, dumped 33 trillion gallons of rain, causing catastrophic flooding in Texas and becoming one of the most devastating storms in U.S. history.
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• Flooding and Droughts: Shifting rainfall patterns mean some regions are experiencing severe droughts while others face heavy rains and flooding. The 2022 Pakistan floods displaced over 7 million people and affected more than 33 million people, while droughts in East Africa have led to widespread food insecurity. In Ethiopia alone, 11.8 million people required emergency food assistance in drought-affected areas.
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These events are not just natural disasters - they are becoming more frequent and severe because of the additional heat trapped by greenhouse gases. They highlight how climate change is reshaping weather systems around the globe.

The data paints a clear picture: the planet is warming at an alarming rate, and the consequences are already here. This evidence matters because it helps us understand the urgency of the crisis and the need for immediate action to limit further damage.
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Some key impacts include:
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1. Melting Ice and Rising Seas: Coastal communities around the world are under threat as ice sheets melt and sea levels rise. Entire island nations, such as the Maldives, Tuvalu, and Kiribati, face the risk of being submerged. Low-lying countries like Denmark, Belgium, and the Netherlands are grappling with rising sea levels, relying on advanced flood defenses to protect their coasts. Major cities like Miami, New York, Jakarta, and Venice are already experiencing increased flooding and erosion, highlighting the growing danger to coastal regions worldwide.
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2. Displacement and Migration: Weather-related disasters displace an average of 21.5 million people annually, creating a growing humanitarian challenge.
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3. Economic Costs: Climate-related disasters caused over $200 billion in damages globally in 2020, and these costs are expected to rise as extreme weather becomes more common.
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4. Ecosystem Loss: Coral reefs, which support 25 percent of marine life, are dying due to warming and acidifying oceans. Biodiversity loss is accelerating, with 1 million species at risk of extinction.
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Understanding this evidence isn’t just about acknowledging the problem - it’s about empowering action. Governments, businesses, and individuals can use this data to inform policies, adapt to changes, and reduce emissions. The sooner we act, the better chance we have to minimize the impacts and protect future generations.