It is important to remember that any one weather event or other incident can not be attributed on its own to climate change. However, a number of indicators in the natural world are telling us that changes are beginning to occur. When these are viewed as part of an overall system, a pattern begins to emerge. Some examples of such indicators (both worldwide and in the UK) include:

• Retreating glaciers
• Changes to the behaviour of plants and animals (see Phenology for more)
• Increases in the number of flood barrier closures (such as the Thames flood barrier)
• Changes to the range of certain diseases.

Although it’s difficult to measure changes over a short period, in Staffordshire we are beginning to notice:

• Flooding is more common. Floods have had a major effect across the country in the last few years, including here in Staffordshire. In 2007 the Staffordshire Wildlife Trust’s headquarters in Wolseley Bridge near Rugeley were affected by summer floods.
• It’s getting warmer. Last summer may not have been particularly good, but eight of the hottest years on record have occurred in the past 10 years. Winters are milder and heavy snow cover is now a rare occurrence.
• Earlier springs and later summers. Gardeners and nature spotters around the country have noticed that flowers bloom earlier than they ever have before, and the lawn grows all year round.

Changes to the seasonal behaviour of plants and animals are among the most accurate signs of climate change. Learn more, submit your wildlife sightings and help wildlife in Staffordshire by visiting the Phenology page.