Climate Impacts Group

How the Canadian wildfire smoke could shift Americans’ views on climate

As climate change dropped its calling card on the East Coast last week in the form of thick, dangerous smoke, millions of Americans and Canadians shared the jarring experience — forced to retreat indoors, cancel plans, wear masks and breathe hazardous air. The smoke that Canadian wildfires sent swirling over swaths of North America blanketed cities including New York, Philadelphia and Toronto, shocked many Easterners, broke air quality records and threatened people’s health. It also created a window, climate experts say, for catching people’s attention. Meade Krosby is quoted. 

“When these events happen, they’re a really important opportunity for helping the public make the connection between these kinds of events and climate change, and helping them understand what they can do.” – Meade Krosby, senior scientist, UW Climate Impacts Group

These things really do wear on you: The grief and hope shared by those studying the climate crisis

Eco-anxiety is on the rise among Americans, but for those who have been studying the climate crisis and its effects, this feeling is far from novel. Dr. Meade Krosby is quoted. 

WA could get millions in federal salmon recovery dollars

More than $60 million in federal grants could soon be on the way to help Washington’s rivers, endangered salmon and native eelgrass. Dr. Crystal Raymond is quoted.  

Drought planning forum explores risks, solutions for Methow Valley

The forum brought together water experts from the valley, the state, and federal agencies in early March. They explained hydrogeology and water storage, and outlined steps to preserve water for rivers and fish, residential and business use, and for agriculture. Research from the UW Climate Impacts Group is referenced.  

The Office of the Washington State Climatologist, Climate Impacts Group, and partners release 2022 PNW Water Year Impacts Assessment

The 2022 water year was characterized by abrupt transitions in weather – from an abnormally dry winter, to an abnormally wet spring, and back to an abnormally dry summer. The Climate Impacts Group, Office of the Washington State Climatologist and others developed the 2022 Pacific Northwest Water Year Impacts Assessment to summarize the water year conditions and related impacts experienced by agricultural producers, water managers, fisheries managers and other natural resource managers. Now in its third year, this year’s assessment focuses on impacts and responses to abrupt changes in conditions.

Access the Assessment

Overall, temperature averages and precipitation totals across Idaho, Oregon and Washington were close to normal during the 2022 water year. 

WA House passes legislation addressing heat, utility service

The Washington State House passed a new bill aiming to protect vulnerable Washingtonians from dangerous heat waves. Now the legislation awaits Senate approval. If cemented into state law, the bill, HB 1329, would prevent utility services from shutting off residents’ power and water due to nonpayments during National Weather Service heat warnings. Research from the UW Climate Impacts Group is referenced. 

Study finds warming climate may improve North Cascades grizzly bear habitat

As climate change affects ecosystems, one species may benefit from its effects in the North Cascades. A study published Feb. 6 found that the amount of high quality habitat for grizzly bears in the North Cascades will increase across all climate models, scenarios and time periods. Dr. Meade Krosby is quoted. 

Study: North Cascades grizzlies could gain more habitat as the climate warms

Grizzly bears in Washington’s North Cascades could gain habitat as the climate warms, according to a study that looked at how climate change could affect the reintroduction of grizzly bears. Dr. Meade Krosby is quoted. This story aired on KUOW and Oregon Public Broadcasting.  

Washington State Climate Scientists say Wildlife Crossings Crucial as Climate Changes

Wildlife crossings could be a path to a future where the climate has significantly changed the planet. Wildlife and climate experts are urging policymakers to plan for what they call “climate-informed” crossings. Dr. Meade Krosby is quoted in this article from Big Country News. 

A New Climate Planning Tool for Local Governments

The Climate Impacts Group has created a publicly available web application to help local jurisdictions navigate the large volume of climate information available for Washington and apply it in their climate resilience planning. Research Scientist Matt Rogers explains what the tool is and how it can be used in this blog post published by the Municipal Research and Services Center.