The Union of Concerned Scientists has released a series of fact sheets designed to help policy makers and the general public understand important climate science issues. We have chosen high-profile topics that are the subject of debate in the public's perception of climate change science, and the fact sheets are based on a review of current scientific literature and discussions with experts. UCS climate scientist Dr. Brenda Ekwurzel leads this effort, with review assistance from climate scientists with expertise in the chosen topic.

You are welcome and encouraged to download and print any of the fact sheets in this series for use in public speaking events, meetings with policy makers, interviews with the press, and in your classrooms. If you have any questions about these fact sheets or would like to receive printed copies, please email Jean Sideris at ssi@ucsusa.org.

• Hurricane Destructiveness in a Warmer World was the first fact sheet in this series. It discusses possible connections between a warmer climate and hurricane intensity.
  
  
• Past, Present, and Future Temperatures: The "Hockey Stick" examines historical temperature records with a particular focus on the well-known "hockey stick" graph. This fact sheet reviews the science behind the graph and aims to clear up the debate that has arisen about the graph in a way that is accessible to the public and policy makers.
  
  
• 2005 Vies for Hottest Year places 2005’s record in the context of average global temperature since measurements began in 1880, as well as other evidence of 20th century warming.
  
  
• Human Fingerprints examines how the "fingerprints" that humans have left on Earth’s climate are turning up in a diverse range of records and can be seen in the ocean, in the atmosphere, and at the surface.