Climate Impacts Group

Report describes the barriers Pacific Northwest coastal Tribes face in adapting to climate change

Among the many effects of human-driven climate change is rising seas. Warmer water takes up more space, and melting or receding polar ice sheets add water to the oceans. Meanwhile, a warmer atmosphere also leads to more destructive coastal storms. Communities worldwide are adapting by moving away from vulnerable shores.

Many Tribes in Washington and Oregon call coastal areas home, meaning they are especially affected by climate change. They also face changes in wildfire risk and in changes to fisheries that are economically and culturally important.

A report led by the University of Washington’s Climate Impacts Group, the Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians, and Washington Sea Grant compiles the experiences of Washington and Oregon coastal Tribes as they prepare for climate change. 

It was a classic day for a hike in WA’s Cascades. Then the fire came

With hotter, drier summers fueled by human-caused climate change coupled with more than a century of fire suppression, Washington and the rest of the Western U.S. will likely see more fire each year. The hikers’ story illustrates the heightened risks people can face on mountains shaped by fire. Washington State Climatologist Guillaume Mauger and former CIG researcher  Crystal Raymond are quoted.  

As drought drags on, some water users are cut off

Although the Methow basin has been in drought for more than a year, for most people, the official drought declaration doesn’t impose any conservation measures. But 98 water users haven’t been able to water their fields since July 22 because the Methow River has been below the minimum flows. Washington State Deputy Climatologist Karin Bumbaco is quoted.  

Washington water supply update

The drought declared April 16 is still in effect. While there was hope for some relief in the fall, it’s looking like the anticipated La Niña conditions will be later and weaker than initially hoped according to experts who met July 24 for Ecology’s monthly Water Supply Availability Committee (WSAC) meeting. The Office of the Washington State Climatologist is referenced.  

What to know about Washington wildfires and smoke in Seattle

Click the link below to learn where the fires are burning, and what it means for travel, hiking and Seattle’s air quality. Emeritus Washington state climatologist Nick Bond is quoted. 

Life and death in the heat. What it feels like when Earth’s temperatures soar to record highs

As the warming Earth sizzled through a week with four of the hottest days ever measured, the world focused on cold, hard numbers that showed the average daily temperature for the entire planet. People from around the globe describe what record-setting heat actually feels like. Washington State Deputy Climatologist Karin Bumbaco is quoted. 

Drought Status Update for the Pacific Northwest

Drought and it’s impacts define summer in the Pacific Northwest. This report summarizes current conditions, outlook, and takeaways regarding snowpack, heat, and drought throughout the summer in the Pacific Northwest. Washington State Deputy Climatologist Karin Bumbaco is a co-author.  

Grad student field trip to La Conner

Seattle-area graduate students took a field trip to La Conner and the Swinomish Reservation [on July 17] and afterward gave the Swinomish Tribe high marks for its focus on environmental protection. CIG scientist Rishi Sugla is mentioned. 

What one of Seattle’s hottest starts to July means for the rest of summer

After a rather cool June, July began with a ravenous desire to make up ground, kick-starting summer conditions across Western Washington with over a week of above-average temperatures, the hottest day since the hottest day ever in 2021 and record daytime and overnight highs. Washington State Deputy Climatologist Karin Bumbaco is quoted.  

Special Edition Drought Status Update for Pacific Northwest Tribal Nations

Report summarizing current conditions, outlook, and takeaways regarding snowpack, heat, and drought as it applies to tribal lands in the Pacific Northwest. Washington State Deputy Climatologist is a co-author.