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Climate change infographic sources
What's the problem?
Increased greenhouse gases are warming our planet, which significantly impacts our region:
- Climate Impacts Group, University of Washington - Climate Change Impacts and Adaptations in Washington State: Technical Summary for Decision Makers.
What is happening on a global scale?
Temperatures and atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) levels are rising:
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association: National Climatic Data Center - Global Analysis: 2013.
- Global Greenhouse Gas Reference Network - Trends in Atmospheric Carbon Dioxide.
What related impacts are happening in our region?
Ocean water has increased in acidity by 25% since the Industrial Revolution:
- Seattle Times - Sea Change: The Pacific’s Perilous Turn.
Puget Sound has risen more than eight inches since 1913:
- The Climate Impacts Group, University of Washington - Uncertain Future: Climate Change and Its Effects on Puget Sound.
Lower stream flows in the summer and higher flows and flooding in the fall and winter:
- Climate Impacts Group, University of Washington - Climate Change Impacts and Adaptations in Washington State: Technical Summary for Decision Makers.
Over 80% of streams surveyed in King County exceeded a salmon-safe temperature:
- Climate Impacts Group, University of Washington - Climate Change Impacts and Adaptations in Washington State: Technical Summary for Decision Makers.
Flooding has closed Interstate 5 four times since 1991:
- Washington Department of Ecology - Preparing for a Changing Climate: Washington’s Integrated Climate Response Strategy.
Average Washington Cascade Range snowpack has decreased on average 25% from the 1950s to 2000s:
- Climate Impacts Group, University of Washington - Climate Change Impacts and Adaptations in Washington State: Technical Summary for Decision Makers.
- King County Department of Natural Resources - KingStat.
What is the risk for our region in the future?
Disruption of marine ecosystem:
- Washington Department of Ecology - Preparing for a Changing Climate: Washington’s Integrated Climate Response Strategy.
Marine-based economies suffer as fish/shellfish diminish:
- Washington Department of Ecology - Preparing for a Changing Climate: Washington’s Integrated Climate Response Strategy.
$29 billion worth of buildings and roads in Puget Sound at risk of flooding:
- Washington Department of Ecology - Preparing for a Changing Climate: Washington’s Integrated Climate Response Strategy.
Increase in severe storms:
- Washington Department of Ecology - Preparing for a Changing Climate: Washington’s Integrated Climate Response Strategy.
Average Washington Cascade Range snowpack projected to decrease 40% by 2040s:
- Climate Impacts Group, University of Washington - Climate Change Impacts and Adaptations in Washington State: Technical Summary for Decision Makers.
Pacific Northwest burned by wildfires every year:
- Washington Department of Ecology - Preparing for a Changing Climate: Washington’s Integrated Climate Response Strategy.
Increase in chronic health problems:
- Washington Department of Ecology - Preparing for a Changing Climate: Washington’s Integrated Climate Response Strategy.
Impacts in forests from insects and disease outbreaks:
- Washington Department of Ecology - Preparing for a Changing Climate: Washington’s Integrated Climate Response Strategy.
Household costs increase to $1,250 a year by 2020
- Washington Department of Ecology - Responding to the Climate Change Challenge.
Impacts to recreation and quality of life:
- Washington Department of Ecology - Responding to the Climate Change Challenge.
Impacts to salmon and wildlife:
- Washington Department of Ecology - Preparing for a Changing Climate: Washington’s Integrated Climate Response Strategy.
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