Washington State Integrated Climate Change Response Strategy, 2011 | Preparing for Impacts | Climate Change

FACING CLIMATE CHANGE

Ocean Acidification

Washington State Integrated Climate Change Response Strategy

Washington is experiencing changing climate conditions that bring significant risks to human health, our forests, agriculture, freshwater supplies, coastlines and other resources that are vital to our economy, environment and quality of life. Recognizing Washington’s vulnerability to climate impacts, the Legislature and Gov. Chris Gregoire directed state agencies to develop an integrated climate change response strategy to help state, tribal and local governments, public and private organizations, businesses and individuals prepare.

The response strategy lays out a framework that decision-makers can use to help protect Washington’s communities, natural resources and economy from the impacts of climate change.

For more information, see the Ecology news release: Report outlines state's strategies for responding and adapting to changing climate conditions (4/3/2012)

Climate Change

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Agriculture:

Warmer temperatures, higher carbon dioxide levels, and more frequent and severe floods and droughts could significantly impact crop yields.

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agriculture.

Water Resources

Increasing temperature, declining snowpack, and earlier snowmelt will increase the risk of summer water shortages and increase the demand for water

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water resources.

Fish, wildlife, and plants

Changing temperature, precipitation, and other climate patterns will alter, and in some cases, destroy habitat and the ecological conditions required for the survival of plants and animals.

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ecosystems.

Climate Impacts

Washington’s climate is changing in ways that bring significant risks to human health, natural resources, infrastructure, and other resources vital to the economy and the environment.

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climate impacts.

Coastal Hazards

Sea level along Washington’s coast is projected to rise 24 inches over the next century.

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coastlines.

Forests

Rising temperatures, more frequent and longer lasting heat waves, and drier summers are expected to contribute to larger, more severe wildfires.

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our forests.

Human Health

Many of the expected health effects of climate change will fall mostly on young children, the elderly, the poor, and people with existing health conditions.

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human health.

Infrastructure and the Built Environment

Rising sea levels, flooding, and more frequent and severe weather could expose transportation and energy systems to more frequent disruptions and higher maintenance costs.

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impacts to infrastructure.