Climate Impacts Group

New Guide from the Washington Coastal Resilience Project Helps Coastal Planners Use the Latest Sea Level Rise Data

IN BRIEF:

The Washington Coastal Resilience Project team — a collaboration between the state’s Department of Ecology, the University of Washington Climate Impacts Group and Washington Sea Grant — are releasing How to Choose, a guide to support the use of available sea level rise data in coastal planning and decision making.
The authors of this guide led a webinar on July 21, 2020 to provide an overview of the guide, discuss a case study and lead a Q & A period.

Fostering resilience to rising seas requires more than sea level rise projections alone. Coastal decision makers are faced with questions datasets can’t answer, such as, “Do I need to plan for what the coastline will look like in 20 years, 50 or 100? 

New Chapter for Heidi Roop, Climate Impacts Group Lead Scientist for Science Communication

After nearly four years advancing climate communication research for the Climate Impacts Group, Heidi Roop is starting a new chapter as a faculty member in the Department of Soil, Water, and Climate at the University of Minnesota. In her new role, Heidi will be developing a climate services program to support climate adaptation efforts by natural resource managers, the agricultural sector, and state agencies in Minnesota and the greater Midwest.

As lead scientist for science communication at the Climate Impacts Group, Heidi has leveraged her expertise to improve the reach and impact of our research, quantify the effectiveness of our engagements across the region and develop novel research in climate change adaptation and communication. 

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. 

We’re Hiring! Apply to join our team as a research scientist

We are hiring an entry-level research scientist to provide social science/policy research support and logistical project management support to our team. We are seeking a candidate with a social science or policy background and project management experience who can add breadth to the work we do and support CIG’s senior researchers on climate change adaptation projects with our federal, tribal, state and local partners. Core job responsibilities will include:  

Research Support: This position will be responsible for thinking critically about, and doing research to support, the application of a social science or policy lens to projects led by the CIG’s senior research scientists.

NW CASC Climate Change Refugia Special Issue: Buying Time for Biodiversity to Adapt in a Changing World

Note: This article was originally published on the Northwest Climate Adaptation Science Center website. 

Human-caused climate change will rapidly alter ecosystems in the Northwest and around the world, putting species that inhabit them under severe stress. These sweeping ecological changes will leave little time for species and ecosystems to adapt to new conditions, resulting in extinctions and large-scale ecosystem transformations. In a time of dramatic ecological upheaval, identifying and protecting climate change refugia — areas relatively buffered from climate change over time — can protect species from the negative effects of climate change in the short-term as well as provide longer-term protection for biodiversity and ecosystem function. 

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. 

Hear from six CIG scientists at May 26 EarthLab Showcase

Interested in the work happening at the University of Washington and beyond to address climate change and other large-scale environmental challenges? The UW EarthLab All-Hands Showcase is your opportunity to attend virtual lightning talks from more than 20 professionals all working toward a healthier, more sustainable future. Six scientists from the Climate Impacts Group and the Northwest Climate Adaptation Science Center are among those presenting. The Showcase will take place Tuesday, May 26, 1–3 p.m., via the video-conferencing platform Zoom.

EARTHLAB ALL-HANDS SHOWCASE: REIMAGINING OUR WORLD’S FUTURE TOGETHER

Tuesday, May 26, 1–3 p.m.

RSVP 

EarthLab brings together University of Washington expertise to address large-scale environmental challenges, making a positive impact on people’s lives and livelihoods. 

CIG Director Amy Snover to present remotely for Lake Chelan Rotary

Dr. Amy Snover, director, Climate Impacts Group, has been invited to lead a talk for the Lake Chelan Rotary this week. Snover will discuss how communities can identify and manage climate risks. Members of the Lake Chelan Rotary will receive a link to the virtual presentation. 

Climate Science on Tap: Climate Change (Mis)information

Dr. Heidi Roop, lead scientist for science communication with the UW Climate Impacts Group, spoke on a panel of experts on the topic of misinformation in climate science. The panel included Jevin West, assistant professor at the iSchool and director of the Center for the Informed Public and John Cook, assistant professor at the Center for Climate Change Communication at George Mason University. 

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.