7 Charts That Show How Climate Change Is Already Altering Life in the U.S.

The White House released the most comprehensive U.S.-focused climate science assessment ever conducted on Tuesday. It makes clear that global warming is no longer a phenomenon that will rear its ugly head in a far-off time and place. Instead, it is affecting everyone in the U.S. already, be it a farmer in Oklahoma dealing with heat waves and drought, or a coastal resident in New York City, still recovering from Hurricane Sandy's flooding.

Here are some of the report's key findings, in graphics.

Average U.S. temperatures have increased by between 1.3 and 1.9 degrees Fahrenheit since 1895. The country may be in for another 10 degrees Fahrenheit of warming by 2100, depending on the rate and magnitude of greenhouse gas emissions. Warming has affected every region of the country, especially since 1970.

Observed Temperature Change since 1895 across the U.S. Credit:

Warming ocean temperatures and melting ice sheets are causing sea levels to rise, threatening coastal cities such as Miami, Florida, and Boston, Massachusetts, with increased coastal flooding during high tides and storm surge events.

Estimated, observed, and possible future amounts of global sea level rise from 1800 to 2100, relative to the year 2000. The future scenarios range from 0.66 feet to 6.6 feet in 2100. These scenarios are not based on climate model simulations, but rather reflect the range of possible scenarios based on other scientific studies. Credit: National Climate Assessment

The Northeast and Midwest are getting wetter and have seen a startling rise in extreme precipitation events. In other words, when it rains or snows, it really rains or snows.

Percentage change in very heavy precipitation events, showing a large spike in the Northeast and MIdwest. Credit: National Climate Assessment

But the Southwest is getting drier, hotter and is seeing a sharp uptick in large wildfires.

Projected changes in average temperatures, as compared to 1971-1999. Top row shows projections assuming heat-trapping gas emissions continue to rise. Bottom row shows projections assuming substantial reductions in emissions. Credit: National Climate Assessment

A tighter water supply will affect the lives and economies of nearly 60 million people in the Southwest, as population growth continues but water becomes more scarce.

Climate change is projected to reduce water supplies in some parts of the country. This is true in areas where precipitation is projected to decline, and even in some areas where precipitation is expected to increase. Compared to 10% of counties today, by 2050, 32% of counties will be at high or extreme risk of water shortages. Numbers of counties are in parentheses in key. Projections assume continued increases in greenhouse gas emissions through 2050 and a slow decline thereafter. Credit: National Climate Assessment

Today's oceans look almost nothing like what people were used to throughout human history, as carbon dioxide emissions make the ocean more acidic, warmer and with reduced seasonal sea ice.

Changes in ocean conditions during the past century, including the decline in sea surface pH, which is evidence of ocean acidification. Credit: National Climate Assessment

Climate change is already affecting agricultural production in the U.S., and may significantly curb the yields of some important crops. Many climate variables affect agriculture, from the number of dry days to the length of the frost-free season.