We're lucky to have leading U.S. climate change science experts in our state. The University of Washington Climate Impacts Group (CIG) is an internationally recognized, interdisciplinary research group studying the impacts of natural climate variability and global climate change (“global warming”). The group is part of the university's College of the Environment.
CIG research considers climate impacts at spatial scales ranging from local communities to the entire western U.S. region, with most work focused on the Pacific Northwest.
The CIG's State of the Knowledge Report, Climate Change Impacts and Adaptation in Washington State provides technical summaries detailing observed and projected changes for Washingon's climate, water resources, forests, species and ecosystems, coasts and ocean, infrastructure, agriculture and human health.
Sections of the Report
Observed Changes
- How Are Global and National Climate Projected to Change? (PDF)
- How Is Pacific Northwest Climate Changing? (PDF)
Projected Changes
- How Are Global and National Climate Changing? (PDF)
- Making Sense of the New Climate Change Scenarios? (PDF)
- How Is Pacific Northwest Climate Projected to Change? (PDF)