Environmental Degradation and Human Health
What are the main observed impacts of climate change in the Northwest?
Higher temperatures, changing streamflows, and an increase in pests, disease, and wildfire will threaten forests, agriculture, and salmon populations. Sea level rise is projected to increase erosion of coastlines, escalating infrastructure and ecosystem risks.
How will Washington State be affected by climate change?
Early effects of a warming Earth have reached Washington state, as we can see from actual measurements. Annual snowpack is declining in the mountains; ancient glaciers are shrinking; sea levels are rising; and coastal waters are becoming less hospitable to sea life.
What is the climate like in the northwest region?
Most of the Pacific Northwest has a cool, wet climate, which has led to the growth of thick forests. … Believe it or not, there are coastal, or temperate, rainforests in the Pacific Northwest, while the inland areas are more dry and warm. The rainforests in this area are some of the rainiest places in the world.
Is the Pacific Northwest getting warmer?
The Pacific north-west has heated up by an average of 2F (1.1C) over the past century, with growing wildfires, failing coastal fisheries, receding snowpack and increasing heat taking its toll upon a region historically unprepared for such extremes.
How will climate change affect Seattle?
Experts predict shorter winters and longer summers, which potentially can lead to winter flooding and more severe summer droughts. A 2005 University of Washington study states that the city of Seattle could see a 14% drop in water supply by 2040.
How does location affect the climate of the western coast of Canada and the northwestern United States?
The mountains also influence the temperature and precipitation of surrounding lower areas. For example, the coastal ranges protect the coast from cold Arctic air from the interior. In the United States, the western mountains trap Pacific moisture. This makes lands west of the mountains rainy and those east very dry.
Will Seattle be underwater?
Climate change is expected to accelerate rising sea levels during the next century. Central estimates indicate that Seattle will experience 10 inches of sea-level rise by 2050, and 28 inches by 2100, and 47 inches by 2150.
How did geography and climate affect Pacific Northwest groups?
How did the geography and climate of the Pacific NW affect the American Indians there? Cool ocean winds brought heavy rains to the region. So, forests were tall and thick. Filled with animals and fish.
What is the weather like in Northwest Coast?
Wintertime temperatures range from the mid-40s to mid-60s, and summer sees mid-50s to low-70s on average. September and October tend to be the prime travel times to Northern California, when the sun is plentiful, the fog is scarce and the temperatures are warm.