At a Glance

Climate trends indicate that conditions on Earth have changed dramatically over the past century.Those changes affect our health, lifestyle and pocketbook.

By now, it's no secret that Earth is getting warmer.

And it's not just anecdotal evidence that says so.

Decades of satellite images and scientific data from the nation's most respected universities, research institutes and government agencies show that human-causedclimate change is at an alarming rate.

Organizations including the United Nations, the National Academy of Sciences, NASA, NOAA and the American Meteorological Society are among the many that agree that human activities are the primary cause of rising temperatures over the past 100 years.

From rising sea levels to retreating glaciers to coral bleaching to stronger hurricanes, heat waves and drought, global warming is affecting every corner of our planet.

Here's a look at three of the most well-documented impacts of climate change and how they affect our daily lives.

1. Rising Seas Drive Higher Costs

As the Washington Monument is seen in the background, a visitor photographs the cherry tree nicknamed “Stumpy” as it stands in high tide water amid cherry blossoms in peak bloom on March 25, 2023, in Washington, D.C.

(Alex Wong/Getty Images)

Sea level rise is driven by the melting of glaciers and ice sheets, as well as ocean water that expands as it warms.

Global sea levelsrose about over the last century, according to NASA. That might not seem like much, but scientists at NOAA predict that sea levels along U.S. coastlines, including the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico, could within the next 30 years be as much as higher than they are today.

With higher sea levels comes more frequent flooding. NOAA estimates that high tide flooding not associated with a major weather event – also known as nuisance flooding – is 300% to 900% more frequent in many U.S. coastal communities than it was just 50 years ago.

T​hat's creating a cascade of other impacts, including rising insurance costs for homeowners and the need for cities, state and the federal government to invest billions of dollars in upgrading roads, bridges and other infrastructure.

N​eighborhoods, national landmarks and major airports are just a few of the key parts of society at risk.

(M​ORE: Seagrass Disappearing From Florida's Tampa Bay, New Survey ShowsAmerica's Most Endangered Rivers | What’s Causing Massive Sargassum Blooms?U.S. Airports Aren't Ready For Climate Change)

2. Heat And Humidity Lead To Major Health Problems

Motorists drive west toward the setting sun on a warm afternoon in Long Beach.

(Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

Because of the increase in carbon dioxide, along with other human-made emissions spewed into the atmosphere, Earth's average surface temperature has risen about since the late 19th century.

"Most of the warming occurred in the past 40 years, with the seven most recent years being ," notes NASA. "The years 2016 and 2020 are tied for the warmest year on record."

T​hat trend is expected to continue unless direct action is taken to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

At the same time, warmer temperatures draw more water into the atmosphere.

According to NOAA, measurements taken from weather stations are showing due to the amount of water vapor in the air. This makes the air feel stickier when it's hot, and forces air conditioners to work harder.

More importantly, it's harder for the human body to keep its cool. Heat is the in the nation. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says an average of 702 people die from heat-related causes each year and more than 9,200 people are hospitalized.

Some 67,500 emergency room visits a year are connected to heat.

There are also ramifications for allergies, harmful air pollution and other health-related issues.

(​MORE: How Humidity Affects AllergiesAir Pollution May Increase Risk Of DementiaHow Climate Change Is Making Allergy Season WorseUN Says Time Running Out To Slow Global Warming)

3. More Frequent Extreme Weather Events

One of dozens of homes damaged or destroyed by Hurricane Nicole in Volusia County, Florida. The storm roared through on Nov. 10-11, 2022, churning waves that ate into shorelines and homes.

(Jan Childs/weather.com )

Recent years have been marked by numerous weather extremes, including record-breaking wildfires, hurricanes and heat waves. Experts say these aren't anomalies - extreme weather events are becoming and we're likely to see more deadly, destructive and intense years ahead.

From 1900 to 1980, for example, a was typically set every 13.5 years. Since 1981, a new record's been set every three years.

One outcome of global warming and rising sea surface temperatures is changing patterns of precipitation and storm events.

Warmer water is a key ingredient for hurricanes, and recent research has linked climate change to storms that are and for longer over land.

W​eather including drought, flooding and wildfires also influences the food we eat, grocery store supply chains and the availability of clean drinking water.

The Weather Company’s primary journalistic mission is to report on breaking weather news, the environment and the importance of science to our lives. This story does not necessarily represent the position of our parent company, .