Indicators of a Warming World

We also know that our planet is warming because there are numerous indicators that provide evidence of an increase in global mean temperature (GMT). Seven of these indicators (the upward arrows in the figure below) are expected to increase in a warming world. These seven indicators are humidity, air temperature near the surface, temperature over oceans, sea surface temperature, ocean content, sea level and temperature over land. The other three indicators––Arctic sea ice, snow, and glaciers––are expected to decrease (indicated by downward arrows).

Click on the image below learn more about each of the indicators directly related to temperature (bolded white). You will learn about the additional indicators of a warmer planet in the other investigations in this module.

PowerPoint Source: NOAA

To learn more, proceed to the Investigation
What Temperature Changes Are Projected for Different Emission Scenarios?