Climate Impacts Group

Letter from the Director – December 2025

Our hearts go out to the communities that have been affected by the devastating flooding across Washington state. Climate Impacts Group researchers have been briefing news stations on the science behind the severe weather and the likelihood of increased flooding in the future (see media mentions below). We remain committed to serving as a reliable resource on climate science and working in partnership to develop climate adaptation and resilience strategies.

Building community is at the heart of our work, which is why it was a delight to see and talk with so many partners, alumni, and friends of the Climate Impacts Group at our recent 30th anniversary celebration on Dec. 

NW CASC’s Research Fellowship Program: Championing Early-Career Climate Adaptation Scientists for Almost a Decade

A researcher wades into a mountain river to install a structure that creates deep, cold-water pools for sensitive fish in the heat of summer. Another hikes through remote terrain to set up trail cameras that will share secrets about where elusive, snow-dependent species are present and where they are not. Meanwhile, states away, another researcher treks into a burned forest to see what is growing back after the flames. The thread that connects these endeavors? These are Northwest Climate Adaptation Science Center (NW CASC) research fellows, conducting projects to understand how species and ecosystems are being impacted by climate change, and what can be done to help them persist in our rapidly changing world.