Climate Impacts Group

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. 

Webinar: Bridging the Gap Between Science and Decision-Making

How can we best connect decision makers with climate science? Dr. Amy Snover, director, UW Climate Impacts Group, discusses this question in a webinar hosted by the Environmental and Energy Study Institute. Snover breaks CIG’s work into three different goals:

Educating key actors about climate risks and response options
Enabling the use of climate science in risk assessment and management
Embedding scientists in management contexts and science in management processes

To illustrate these areas in action, Snover draws on two examples – building a Sea Level Rise Toolkit with the Washington Coastal Resilience Project, and developing the Tribal Vulnerability Assessment Resources alongside tribal nations. 

Climate change’s impact on Washington weather

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

Dr. Snover to Give Virtual Briefing on Linking Science & Action

Director Dr. Amy Snover will give a Livecast briefing for Congressional staff and the broader community on Thursday, April 16, 9–9:45 a.m. PT. In her briefing, “Bridging the Gap Between Science and Decision-Making,” Dr. Snover will discuss the University of Washington Climate Impacts Group and Northwest Climate Adaptation Science Center’s programs and methods for advancing climate resilience in the Northwest. The briefing is sponsored by the non-partisan Environmental and Energy Study Institute. Dr. Snover will appear as part of the Institute’s Climate Adaptation Data Week, a briefing series focused on coastal climate adaptation data needs and applications.

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.  

King County launches beta-version GIS Open Data

The King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks released a beta-version of a tool illustrating the effects of climate change on the Puget Sound region. The highly technical tool uses spatial data (via GIS, or Geographic Information Systems), to visualize how specific climate impacts may affect communities, infrastructure, facilities and natural resources. The portal draws on data from the Climate Impacts Group’s 2015 report on climate change in Puget Sound, and is designed for professionals trained in geographic information systems.

The tool is being developed to support analysis needed by city planners, resource managers and other professionals in preparing for and adapting to the effects of climate change. 

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.