Climate change will affect Seattle even though we are lowering emissions. Some of the ways that climate change may affect Seattle include hotter, drier summers, a decrease in the amount of snow that falls in the mountains, and an increase in the intensity and frequency of storms. In addition, sea level is expected to rise, which could lead to an increase in flooding along Seattle’s waterfront. The City is working to plan for these potential impacts, particularly on the City’s capital projects and existing infrastructure, such as buildings, roads, and drainage systems, as well as on things like our water supply and ecosystem health.

OSE has been coordinating with other City departments to assess potential short- and long-term impacts of sea level rise, precipitation changes and temperature increase on the City’s current and future projects.  Below are links to some of the work done so far, with more to come in the updated Climate Action Plan, as well as links to other background information.

Regional water supply planning

Green stormwater infrastructure - the City is using natural drainage techniques to reduce the risk of flooding

Healthy Places for Everyone - Seattle and King County Public Health are working to evaluate and reduce impacts to human health from climate change

King County Climate Change Response

• Preparing for Climate Change: A Guidebook for Local, Regional and State Governments

Washington State Climate Response Strategy

Climate Impacts Group

• Washington Climate Change Impacts Assessment

NOAA Climate Services

EPA Climate Adaptation Resources

Climate Adaptation Knowledge Exchange (CAKE)

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