Climate Impacts Group

Conference Travel and Carbon Emissions: In the Midst of COVID-19, Some People Are Doing the Math

Hundreds of science organizations are moving their in-person conferences to virtual to slow the spread of coronavirus, prompting some to consider whether virtual conferences may be part of the “new normal.” Dr. Heidi Roop is quoted in this article from KQED.

“There isn’t yet a pick-your-own-adventure conference virtually, where you could be in-person or virtual. My hope is we start thinking seriously about it, not just because of the pandemic, but because of our carbon footprint and the environmental impact of all the traveling,” Heidi says. 

Beyond video games: virtual reality brings science to life

Work led by CIG scientist Heidi Roop and supported by an EarthLab Innovation Grant is highlighted in this article by the UW College of the Environment. 

Reflecting on 50 years of Earth Day in the Northwest

This year, people couldn’t get out to pick up trash but instead had to celebrate Earth Day virtually. Director Amy Snover was interviewed for KING5. 

Climate change’s impact on Washington weather

Harriet Morgan, researcher with the UW Climate Impacts Group, is interviewed. 

With more people staying home, Washington skies are cleaner

Since the coronavirus pandemic sent Washingtonians indoors to help flatten the curve of infection, Seattleites who open a window or venture outside for socially distanced nature therapy swear something’s different in the air. Director Amy Snover is quoted. “Once we realize that big, bold, immediate action is possible in the face of one crisis [like COVID-19], might we expect the same in the face of another: climate change?” Amy says.  

Covering your climate: A source toolbox for climate change reporting in the emerald corridor

A comprehensive list of resources for reporting on climate change in the Pacific Northwest. The Climate Impacts Group is mentioned as a resource, as well as our 2013 State of Knowledge Report and Tribal Vulnerability Assessment Resources.  

Covering your climate: Pacific Northwest rides adaptation wave

A roundup of potential stories about climate adaptation for PNW journalists. Research by the Climate Impacts Group aimed at understanding and mitigating the effects of climate change on wildlife habitat is referenced. “One of the most important stories you can cover in your community is how local institutions are preparing to adapt to more-destructive wildfire seasons, increased flooding, landslides and myriad other effects of a warming climate in the Pacific Northwest,” the article says. 

Emissions have reduced among COVID-19

The Pacific Northwest is seeing reduced carbon emissions thanks to COVID-19, but experts say we shouldn’t expect it to last after the pandemic is over. Amy Snover, director of the UW Climate Impacts Group, is interviewed. A slightly different version of this story appeared on Facebook, view it here.  

Pacific Northwest may see temporary drop in emissions due to social distancing

Social distancing due to COVID-19 may lower carbon emissions temporarily. Director Amy Snover is interviewed for this King5 piece. The motivation to rebuild more sustainable systems in the wake of the pandemic may be the “silver lining out of a very black cloud,” she says. 

WWII-era ‘victory gardens’ make a comeback amid coronavirus

In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, some Washington gardeners are creating victory gardens — symbols of self-reliance, food production and community resilience not seen since wartime. Meade Krosby, senior scientist, discusses the relationship between the gardens and community and individual resilience.