Climate change report: Seas rising, heat waves ahead

• U.S. average temperature has increased by about 1.5 degrees Fahrenheit since 1895, and more than 80% of that occurred since 1980. The most recent decade was the nation's hottest on record, and the next few decades are projected to see another 2 degrees to 4 degrees Fahrenheit of warming in most areas.

• Global sea level has risen about 8 inches over the past 100 years and is projected to rise by another 1 to 4 feet this century.

• Ocean surface waters have become 30% more acidic as they absorb large amounts of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. The acidification reduces the capacity of marine organisms with shells or skeletons made of calcium carbonate such as coral, oysters, clams and crabs to survive.

• Public health effects include waterborne diseases, increased heat stress, respiratory problems from poor air quality and diseases transmitted by insects and rodents.

• Infrastructure such as roads, buildings, ports and energy facilities are being damaged by higher sea levels and storm surges, which also threaten military facilities. Roads, rail lines and airport runways are being damaged from extreme heat.

http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2013/01/11/climate-change-altering-usa/1827501/