Climate Change

Climate change is a global issue, and while efforts are being made to protect against it, in the present, the best option is to prevent it from getting worse in the first place. The Pacific Northwest is working to create a more sustainable environment to reduce its own contribution to global warming. Other parts of the world will see similar issues, with those in disadvantageous positions or those who rely on their local environments likely to experience the worst impacts from climate change. However, stopping climate change will also be a global effort on the part of all countries.

Global Perspectivve

The Pacific Northwest is working to find solutions that protect local equity and take advantage of indigenous knowledge to protect against climate change. Strategies include decarbonization and reducing energy usage to participate in slowing the rate of climate change, and working to create a more resilient environment to protect against climate change. (US Climate Resilience Toolkit)

Protective Measures

Impacts

The Pacific Northwest is seeing a gradual temperature increase that is likely to amount to an increase of up to 4 degrees celsius by 2100. It has also caused an observable increase in the number of wildfires in the region, an issue that is faced by many regions around the world. As is the case in most other parts of the world, water temperatures are expected to rise as well, although not as much as surface temperatures throughout the state. Additionally, the states hydropower resources, as well as coastal regions, are all vulnerable to the effects of climate change. According to the US Climate Resiliance Toolkit, livelihoods based on the local environment are especially at risk from climate change.

Impacts of Climate Change on the Pacific Northwest