Climate Impacts Group

New paper provides framework for states to measure and improve community resilience in a changing climate

Researchers from the University of Washington’s Climate Impacts Group and the University of South Carolina’s Hazards Vulnerability and Resilience Institute (with support from co-authors at The Pew Charitable Trust, and the Western Fire and Forest Resilience Collaborative),  developed a new paper, State Strategies for Measuring Resilience: A Comparative Study of South Carolina and Washington’s Approaches.

Third straight year of snowpack drought raises water supply, wildfire concerns

While the statewide snowpack sits above normal, a third straight year of snowpack drought hits the Central Cascades, with the Northern stretches of the Washington Mountain range to not be far behind. State Climatologist Guillaume Mauger was quoted and snowpack research from the Climate Impacts Group was mentioned.  

Susan Dickerson-Lange Joins UW Climate Impacts Group as the New Director

The Climate Impacts Group (CIG) has named Susan Dickerson-Lange as its new director. In her role, Dickerson-Lange will provide strategic leadership for CIG, driving financial stewardship and fundraising while supporting the team to deepen partnerships and expand offerings advancing climate resilience in the Pacific Northwest.

Port Gardner Storage Facility will allow Everett to meet state outflow requirements

The facility will temporarily store combined sewer and wastewater during storm events, protecting the bay from untreated releases. A study by the UW Climate Impacts Group is mentioned.  

Yakima Drought Continues as Low Reservoirs Threaten Agriculture

Snowpack is a crucial component of Washington’s water system, particularly in Yakima, where it acts as a natural reservoir, storing moisture during the wet season to be used in drier months. Last year’s low snowpack led to a drought emergency, and the state is still facing drought conditions. Deputy State Climatologist Karin Bumbaco is mentioned.

Statewide drought to projected to continue

The Washington State Department of Ecology and the Washington State Department of Agriculture are expressing concerns for the 2025 agricultural year after an Autumn with little rainfall and a Winter with little snow pack. Temperature and precipitation findings by the Washington State Climate Office are mentioned. 

Washington State Climate Office Launches New Website, Advancing Strategic Goals

Seattle, Wash. – The Washington State Climate Office (WASCO) has officially launched a new website and introduced an updated visual identity, marking a significant step forward in the Office’s ongoing evolution. This milestone comes nearly a year after the release of WASCO’s strategic plan and demonstrates a continued commitment to expanding climate services, strengthening science communication and community engagement, and supporting informed decision-making in the pursuit of state-wide and regional climate resilience using historical climate data and seasonal forecasts.

WASCO has undergone several major transitions over the past year. These include adopting a new name, welcoming Guillaume Mauger as the new State Climatologist, and expanding its team. 

Trump’s DEI Purge Comes at a Cost to Indigenous Communities

President Donald Trump’s purge of diversity initiatives has affected both federal agencies and the institutions they fund, including those that work with Indigenous communities. NW CASC University Director and CIG Senior Scientist Meade Krosby is quoted.

Welcome Jacob Genuise, Engagement Climatologist

We are excited to welcome Jacob Genuise to the Climate Impacts Group team! Jacob is joining us as an Engagement Climatologist with the Washington State Climate Office. Learn more about Jacob and his work.

WA’s sunny days spell trouble for snowpack

This January is on track to be one of the five driest on record in Seattle. Snowpack lags across much of Washington and the statewide drought emergency persists, foreshadowing a potentially hazardous summer. Federal reservoirs sit at a fraction of their normal capacity. Deputy State Climatologist Karin Bumbaco is quoted.