2012 was another warm year around the world. Many other global climate indicators show global warming is continuing.

The 'State Of The Climate' report was released yesterday by the American Meteorological Society. The report was produced by 384 scientists in 52 countries.

The highlights of the climate report show 11 factors that help illustrate climate change. As I look at the report, nine of 11 factors point toward continued global warming.

Surface temperatures were warm

The surface temperatures worldwide were warm again in 2012. Four different studies on world temperatures rank 2012 as either the eighth or ninth warmest year. The first graphic shows global temperature anomalies. Red areas, which make up a large part of the globe, show where temperatures where above normal in 2012.

Arctic sea ice coverage continues to shrink. In 2012, the Arctic sea ice melted to a record low level in September.

Arctic sea ice set a record low

Arctic sea ice coverage is highest in March and lowest in September. Minimum sea ice in September 2012 set a record low level. Ice coverage was 18 percent lower than the previous record in 2007. Arctic sea ice is 54 percent lower than 1980. So the polar ice cap has shrunk by half in the last 33 years. The graphic shows the ice extent in September, with the yellow line showing the previous lowest coverage.

Sea level continues to rise

The sea level increased quite dramatically in 2012. At the rate the oceans are rising, sea level will be 1.3 inches higher in 10 years and over 12 inches higher in 100 years. One inch doesn't sound like a lot, but a foot of sea level rise sounds significant.

Greenhouse gases rose

The main greenhouse gases are carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide. Those gases are thought to be the culprit in causing global warming. The report says greenhouse gases declined slightly during the global economic downturn a few years ago. But in 2012, the gas concentrations were up again. In fact, a few observing sites in the Arctic recorded their highest CO2 concentrations ever.

Antarctica sea ice is growing

This is interesting. While the ice at the North Pole is shrinking, the ice at the South Pole is expanding and set a new record for extent in 2012. Why? I haven't been able to find a good answer. If the rest of the globe is losing snow and ice, you would think that the South Pole would be doing the same.

That is really the only factor in the 11 factors reported on that would be contradictory to global warming. Nine of the factors strongly point toward global warming.

What do you think about global warming? Do we need to take any action to stop it and why?

Mark Torregrossa has been the chief meteorologist for three television news stations in Michigan. A resident of the state for 20 years, he has also gardened since the age of ten and is an avid hunter. Email him at mark@farmerweather.com and find him on Facebook at facebook.com/mark.torregrossa and Twitter @weathermanmark