The annual assessment focuses on changes to sea ice, snow cover, temperature, and other indicators. Scientists say that changes in the Arctic also affect climate globally.

Randy Showstack
Randy Showstack, senior news writer for Eos.org, reports on policy, politics, and discovery in the areas of Earth and space science and the environment. His coverage ranges from climate change and frontiers of ocean and space research to actions by federal and international agencies, the White House, Congress, and the Supreme Court.
Experts Focus on Efforts by Cities to Deal with Climate Change
Urban areas must take political and practical considerations into account as they prepare for the effects of climate change, say experts at AGU Fall Meeting.
White House Data Chief Stresses Benefits of Better Communication
DJ Patil urged scientists to make better use of their data to persuasively communicate findings to broad audiences. Some of the best data scientists work in Earth and space sciences, he added.
Experts Urge Europe and the U.S. to Boost Cooperation in Space
By working more closely together, these major space players could better monitor weather and natural hazards, improve communications and satellite security, and extend international cooperation.
Ted Cruz Chairs Heated Senate Hearing on Climate Change
Republican-invited witnesses reject consensus view of climate change, charge bias in federal funding. Democratic senators decry attempt to stir controversy about well-established climate findings.
Paris Climate Talks Could Spur Energy Sector Action
A robust climate pact from the United Nations meeting in Paris could urge nations and energy investors toward lower-emissions energy generation, the head of a global energy agency suggests.
U.S. Climate Change Negotiator Says Time Is Right for a Deal
With the United Nations climate change conference imminent, the U.S. special envoy for climate change optimistically outlined what sort of agreement could drive the transition to a low-carbon world.
Purple Hearts Honor Four Meteorologists Killed in World War II
Seventy-three years after they died in a German U-boat attack, a ceremony posthumously honors the U.S. Weather Service workers and highlights the importance of weather forecasting during the war.
Climate Change Is a Conservative Issue, British Minister Says
The UK foreign minister argues for dealing with climate change with market-based solutions. Asked separately about this approach, a U.S. cabinet secretary supports the general goal.
White House Plan Focuses on Hazards from Solar Storms
Space weather has its day in the Sun, with the administration issuing a new strategy and action plan to increase protection from damaging solar emissions.