Climate Impacts Group

Trying to escape sea-level rise, Northwest coastal tribes are drowning in paperwork

Coastal tribal communities in the Lower 48 live on the frontlines of climate adaptation, with some facing the daunting challenge of relocating altogether to safer inland places as sea levels rise. Between November 2022 and August 2023, a researcher from the Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians (ATNI) and one from the University of Washington conducted listening sessions with tribal leaders, citizens and employees from 13 Northwest coastal tribes, posing questions about the status of climate adaptation plans and the greatest obstacles the tribes are facing.

The listening sessions resulted in a report called Climate Adaptation Barriers and Needs Experienced by Northwest Coastal Tribes, which was released this month.  

Washington’s fall could be wetter than normal, NOAA predicts

A precipitation outlook released by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Climate Prediction Center on Aug. 15 predicts above-normal rainfall across the Pacific Northwest in September, October and November. Washington State Deputy Climatologist Karin Bumbaco is quoted. 

Report finds barriers for NW coastal tribes responding to climate change

Coastal tribes in the Northwest are on the front lines of the changing climate but face barriers to responding to its effects. A new report collected testimony directly from tribal members to hear what their biggest hurdles are. Dr. Meade Krosby is quoted.  

Climate change is already reshaping PNW shorelines. Tribal nations are showing how to adapt

Tribal nations along the coasts of Washington and Oregon are navigating impacts ranging from ocean warming and acidification, which threaten culturally and economically important fisheries, to increased coastal flooding and erosion from sea level rise and storm surges. The work at Tulalip illustrates how tribal nations are leading regional efforts to complete a challenging task: overcoming the worst effects of human-caused climate change.  Dr. Meade Krosby is quoted.  

Pacific Northwest tribes are battered by climate change but fight to get money meant to help them

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. This report was funded by the Northwest Climate Resilience Collaborative, a NOAA Climate Adaptation Partnership program. 

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.