Climate Data

Understanding Climate Data

Climate data helps us understand how our planet is changing over time. These visualizations show key climate indicators based on scientific measurements from trusted sources like NASA, NOAA, and the IPCC. Explore the data to see the evidence of climate change and its impacts.

Global Temperature

CO₂ Levels

Sea Level Rise

Arctic Sea Ice

Time Range:

Display:

Global Temperature Anomaly (1880-2023)

Temperature anomaly relative to 1951-1980 average (°C)

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Key Insights:

Global temperatures have risen by approximately 1.1°C since pre-industrial times.
The rate of warming has accelerated in recent decades.
The last decade (2011-2020) was the warmest on record.
19 of the 20 warmest years have occurred since 2000.

Atmospheric CO₂ Concentration (1960-2023)

CO₂ concentration in parts per million (ppm)

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Key Insights:

CO₂ levels have increased from about 280 ppm in pre-industrial times to over 420 ppm today.
Current CO₂ levels are higher than at any point in at least the past 800,000 years.
The rate of increase has accelerated, now rising by about 2-3 ppm per year.
Human activities, primarily burning fossil fuels, are the main cause of this increase.

Global Sea Level Rise (1900-2023)

Sea level change in centimeters (cm) relative to 1900

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Key Insights:

Global sea levels have risen about 21-24 cm (8-9 inches) since 1880.
The rate of sea level rise has accelerated and is now about 3.7 mm per year.
Major contributors are thermal expansion of seawater and melting ice from glaciers and ice sheets.
Projections suggest sea levels could rise by 30-100 cm (1-3.3 feet) by 2100, depending on emissions scenarios.

Arctic Sea Ice Extent (1980-2023)

September sea ice extent in million square kilometers

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Key Insights:

Arctic sea ice has been declining at a rate of about 13% per decade since satellite measurements began in 1979.
The 14 lowest September sea ice extents have all occurred in the last 14 years.
The Arctic is warming about twice as fast as the global average.
Scientists project the Arctic Ocean could be nearly ice-free in summer by mid-century.

Data Sources

Temperature data: NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies (GISS)
CO₂ data: NOAA Global Monitoring Laboratory - Mauna Loa Observatory
Sea level data: NASA Sea Level Change Portal
Arctic sea ice data: National Snow and Ice Data Center (NSIDC)

Methodology

These visualizations present scientific data collected through various methods including satellite measurements, weather stations, ocean buoys, ice cores, and other paleoclimate records. The data has been processed and validated by scientific institutions to ensure accuracy. Temperature anomalies are shown as differences from a baseline period (1951-1980) to highlight changes over time.

For educational purposes, some data points may be simplified or interpolated to create clearer visualizations while maintaining scientific integrity. For detailed methodologies and raw data, please visit the original data sources linked above.

Understanding Climate Data in the Classroom

Climate data provides an excellent opportunity for students to practice data analysis, graphing, and critical thinking skills while learning about an important global issue.

Classroom Activities

Download ready-to-use activities that help students analyze and interpret climate data.

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Data Literacy Guide

A guide for teachers on building data literacy skills through climate science.

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Student Research Projects

Ideas and guidelines for student research projects using climate data.

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What's Next?

Now that you've explored the data, learn about solutions to climate change and how you can take action.

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Climate Data Visualizations

Understanding Climate Data

Global Temperature Anomaly (1880-2023)

Key Insights:

Atmospheric CO₂ Concentration (1960-2023)

Key Insights:

Global Sea Level Rise (1900-2023)

Key Insights:

Arctic Sea Ice Extent (1980-2023)

Key Insights:

Data Sources

Methodology

Understanding Climate Data in the Classroom

Classroom Activities

Data Literacy Guide

Student Research Projects

What's Next?