Selected Environmental Data
Multiple Topics
- Climate.gov Dataset GalleryA catalog of climate data from across multiple sources, with clear descriptions and "how to" information.
- Data.gov - ClimateU.S. climate datasets and data tools available to the public
- EPA Data FinderAccess to the EPA's data sources organized by subject.
- UNEP Environmental Data ExplorerThe United Nations Environmental Programme's data explorer lets you create graphs and maps and download data.
- OECD Statistics - EnvironmentInternational, country-level statistics over time on environmental topics, such as air quality, biodiversity, environmental policy, and water use.
- Earth DataNASA's Earth Observing System Data. A note of caution: much of these data are visual data or data visualizations.
- NOAA Climate Information - InternationalGlobal climate data from NOAA
- USDA Data ProductsAgriculture and aquaculture statistics for the United States
- Food and Agriculture Organization statistics
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Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN. Look under "explore data" for emissions data and other agri-environmental indicators. - Science.govSearches documents from all science-related agencies in the US government. A great place to look for governmental reports or research if you're not sure which agencies might be involved.
Topically Focused Data
- USGS Earthquake dataAccess to earthquake data from the USGS. Many of these products are interactive maps, but look for a Download button at the bottom of the list of earthquakes, which often includes a CSV download option.
- National Snow and Ice Data Center
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- IEA: International Energy Agency - StatisticsAn autonomous intergovernmental organization that collects data and works to promote clean energy for its 29 member countries and beyond. Carleton does not subscribe, so look for the datasets marked "free."
- Monthly Energy Review (EIA)Up to date monthly and annual energy statistics with time series. Includes energy production, consumption, and trade; energy prices; emissions, and data on energy sources.
- EIA: U.S. Energy Information AdministrationData about energy sources, forecasts, emissions, consumption, and more
- Met Office Hadley Centre observations datasetsSurface air temperature and sea-surface temperature observations
- NASA Ozone WatchImage data on daily and monthly total ozone.
- Ozone Hole HistoryAnalysis of ozone hole data
State or Local Data
- National Centers for Environmental InformationFormerly called the National Climate Data Center (NCDC), this site is the place to go if you need climate data, including precipitation, temperature, and other measures.
Note: You can get yearly and monthly averages, as well as daily records going back decades for many locations. For local data of this type, my favorite way to get it is to use the "I want to search for data at a particular location" link. On the "Climate Data Online" page, choose the blue box that says Search Tool then follow prompts for Daily Summaries by Zip Code. You'll be taken to a map of relevant stations. For each station, click "View Full Details" to see more information or just "Add to my Cart." Use the cart to request the data, which will come by email shortly.
- How's My Waterway? | US EPASearch for your watershed by location to find vast amounts of data and information about water quality and health in that area. Collected by the US Environmental Protection Agency. An expansion of an older database called "Surf Your Watershed."
- Minnesota DNR: Ecological and Water ResourcesSee especially the links under "Data and maps" for water use and water quality data.
- U.S. State Fish and Wildlife linksLinks to the fish and wildlife and environmental offices by state. These are great for local water and environmental information.
