Initial Publication Date: March 8, 2021

2018 NCA Resources for Northwest Region

Contributors

Regional Chapter Editor:

Lee Frankel-Goldwater, PhD Candidate, University of Colorado, Boulder

Chapter Reviewers, 2018:

Deb Morrison, University of Washington, Abby Ruskey, The Athena Group, Frank Granshaw, Portland State University, Jacqueline Laverdure, Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary, Lisa Hiruki-Raring, Alaska Fisheries Science Center, Jennifer Pierce, Boise State University

NCA Education Resources for the Northwest Region

The National Climate Assessment (NCA) summarizes the impacts of climate change on the United States, now and in the future. This report collects, integrates, and assesses observations and research from around the country, helping us to see what is actually happening and understand what it means for our lives, our livelihoods, and our future. It is important that these findings and response options be shared broadly to inform people and communities across our nation. Climate change presents a major challenge for society. This report advances our understanding of that challenge and the need for the American people to prepare for and respond to its far-reaching implications.

It contains information that will help educators and students gain a deeper understanding of climate science through the Our Changing Climate section of the 2018 NCA report and 2017 supporting Climate Science Special Report (CSSR). Engineering is addressed throughout, both from the standpoint of climate change impacts and solutions, however, the Mitigation and Adaptation sections contain the most relevant information.

Finally, the Frequently Asked Questions section has useful information as it relates to an Introduction to Climate Change, Climate Science, Temperature and Climate Projections, Climate, Weather, and Extreme Events, Societal Effects, and Ecological Effects.

Chapter Background

Residents of the Northwest list the inherent qualities of the natural environment among the top reasons to live in the region. The Northwest is known for clean air, abundant water, low-cost hydroelectric power, vast forests, extensive farmlands, and an array of outdoor recreation that includes hiking, boating, fishing, hunting, and skiing. Warming and related changes in climate are already affecting aspects of the Northwest's identity such as its natural resource economy and its cultural heritage that is deeply embedded within the natural environment. The built systems that support Northwest residents and the health of residents themselves are also already experiencing the effects of climate change. The communities on the front lines of climate change experience the first, and often the worst, effects. Frontline communities in the Northwest include tribes and Indigenous peoples, the economically disadvantaged, and those most dependent on natural resources for their livelihoods.

The region has warmed substantially—nearly 2°F since 1900—and this warming is partially attributable to human-caused emissions of greenhouse gases. Warmer winters have led to reductions in the mountain snowpack that historically blanketed the region's mountains, increasing wildfire risk and speeding the usually slow release of water for communities, agriculture, rivers, and soils. In 2015, record winter warmth led to record-low snowpack in much of the Northwest's mountains as winter precipitation fell as rain instead of snow, resulting in drought, water scarcity, and large wildfires that negatively affected farmers, hydropower, drinking water, salmon, and recreation. In addition, warmer ocean temperatures led to shifts in the marine ecosystem, challenges for salmon, and a large harmful algal bloom. The extreme climate-related events of 2015 have prompted Northwest states, cities, tribes, and others to increase and prioritize climate preparedness efforts, as evidenced by the presentations at the 6th and 7th annual Northwest Climate Conference" (Complete background and related figures available at NCA, 2018, Northwest Chapter)

Using this Guide:

The NCA Education Resources for the Northwest Region features 1) guiding questions, 2) key figures, 3) related chapters from the report, 4) lesson plans, 5) videos for all of the NCA key messages for the region, and 6) related U.S. Climate Resilience Toolkit Case Studies.

Teachers can have students explore the toolkit case studies to see how people are building resilience for their businesses and in their communities in the region. This page contains information that will help educators and students gain a deeper understanding of climate science and the implications for the region.

Chapter Table of Contents with Section Links:

Key Message 1: Natural Resource Economy

Key Message 2: Natural World and Cultural Heritage

Key Message 3: Infrastructure

Key Message 4: Health

Key Message 5: Frontline Communities

Key Message 1: Natural Resource Economy

Climate change is already affecting the Northwest's diverse natural resources, which support sustainable livelihoods; provide a robust foundation for rural, tribal, and Indigenous communities; and strengthen local economies. Climate change is expected to continue affecting the natural resource sector, but the economic consequences will depend on future market dynamics, management actions, and adaptation efforts. Proactive management can increase the resilience of many natural resources and their associated economies.

Sub-categories under this key message:

  • Linkage Between Observed Climate and Regional Risks
  • Future Climate Change Relevant to Regional Risks
  • Challenges, Opportunities, and Success Stories for Reducing Risk
  • Emerging Issues

Key Message 2: Natural World and Cultural Heritage

Climate change and extreme events are already endangering the well-being of a wide range of wildlife, fish, and plants, which are intimately tied to tribal subsistence culture and popular outdoor recreation activities. Climate change is projected to continue to have adverse impacts on the regional environment, with implications for the values, identity, heritage, cultures, and quality of life of the region's diverse population. Adaptation and informed management, especially culturally appropriate strategies, will likely increase the resilience of the region's natural capital.

Sub-categories under this key message:

  • Linkage Between Observed Climate and Regional Risks
  • Future Climate Change Relevant to Regional Risks
  • Challenges, Opportunities, and Success Stories for Reducing Risk
  • Emerging Issues

Key Message 3: Infrastructure

Existing water, transportation, and energy infrastructure already face challenges from flooding, landslides, drought, wildfire, and heat waves. Climate change is projected to increase the risks from many of these extreme events, potentially compromising the reliability of water supplies, hydropower, and transportation across the region. Isolated communities and those with systems that lack redundancy are the most vulnerable. Adaptation strategies that address more than one sector, or are coupled with social and environmental co-benefits, can increase resilience.

Sub-categories under this key message:

  • Linkage Between Observed Climate and Regional Risks
  • Future Climate Change Relevant to Regional Risks
  • Challenges, Opportunities, and Success Stories for Reducing Risk
  • Emerging Issues

Key Message 4: Health

Organizations and volunteers that make up the Northwest's social safety net are already stretched thin with current demands. Healthcare and social systems will likely be further challenged with the increasing frequency of acute events, or when cascading events occur. In addition to an increased likelihood of hazards and epidemics, disruptions in local economies and food systems are projected to result in more chronic health risks. The potential health co-benefits of future climate mitigation investments could help to counterbalance these risks.

Sub-categories under this key message:

  • Linkage Between Climate Change and Regional Risks
  • Future Climate Change Relevant to Regional Risks
  • Challenges, Opportunities, and Success Stories for Reducing Risk
  • Emerging Issues

Key Message 5: Frontline Communities

Communities on the front lines of climate change experience the first, and often the worst, effects. Frontline communities in the Northwest include tribes and Indigenous peoples, those most dependent on natural resources for their livelihoods, and the economically disadvantaged. These communities generally prioritize basic needs, such as shelter, food, and transportation; frequently lack economic and political capital; and have fewer resources to prepare for and cope with climate disruptions. The social and cultural cohesion inherent in many of these communities provides a foundation for building community capacity and increasing resilience.

Sub-categories under this key message:

  • Linkage Between Observed Climate and Regional Risks
  • Future Climate Change Relevant to Regional Risks
  • Challenges, Opportunities, and Success Stories for Reducing Risk
  • Emerging Issues

Disclaimer: The National Climate Assessment regional resources for educators is written, edited, and moderated by each regional team of contributors. Posts reflect the views of the regional team themselves and not necessarily Climate.gov, NOAA and USGCRP.