Washington State has identified climate change as a major challenge to its economic, social, and environmental success. In 2012, the State developed an “Integrated Climate Response Strategy” to outline the role of State agencies in preparing for future climate impacts. To take stock of agencies’ efforts, the University of Washington’s Climate Impacts Group and School of Marine and Environmental Affairs reviewed publicly available online documents, administered an online survey, and convened focus group discussions involving more than 60 agency staff. This project aimed to track progress on the goals and activities identified in that strategy, identify roadblocks and highlight opportunities.

Washington’s Climate Response Strategy identifies more than 200 actions across nine topic areas that could help prepare the State for climate change. From internet searches for relevant keywords and phrases, evidence was found for activities related to nearly two-thirds of the 200+ actions. Evidence of action could be found for each sector, with the evidence for the greatest number of actions related to Water Resources and Infrastructure and the Built Environment.

The respondents to the surveys and participants for the focus group discussions were self-selected. Their participation was based on their interest and availability. For the discussions, phrases and particular words were coded into “excerpts,” and form the basis for many results appearing in this document. Figures indicate the total number of excerpts on a given topic (e.g., adaptation activities, barriers). In total, the research team coded 525 excerpts across the 13 focus group discussions. Excerpts were also taken from written answers in one of the surveys.

Of the more than 200 adaptation actions identified in the Washington Integrated Climate Response Strategy (2012), online documents provide evidence of progress for nearly two-thirds (65 percent) of the actions.

The adaptation actions being pursued are mostly related to coordination (33 percent), policy/administrative activities (22 percent), research (22 percent), and education (17 percent). Only a small fraction (six percent) of activities were classified as risk reduction actions (e.g., investments in new infrastructure, alteration in natural resource management practices).

Barriers to adaptation include: limited financial or human resources, inadequate institutional support, inadequate information and expertise, contrary public beliefs, and lack of collaboration.

A logic model focused on Inputs, Activities, Outputs, Outcomes, and Impacts may provide a template for program managers and agency leaders as they attempt to monitor progress in achieving adaptation goals.

The participants in the Washington Interagency Adaptation Network provided invaluable input to the design and execution of this research. The research team thanks them for their efforts to establish the scope of this work, shape the survey and focus group questions, and ensure the participation of their colleagues.