ABOUT
Climate Change Basics
What Is Climate Change?
There is now unprecedented consensus among international scientists that the earth's average annual temperature is rising. Global warming is happening. The climate changes that result from this overall warming are referred to commonly as "global climate change." Depending on location, these climatic changes may show up as: increased storm intensity and frequency, extended periods of drought and higher temperatures, shifts in the timing of the seasons, and erratic, unpredictable weather.
What causes global warming? The Earth has a natural greenhouse effect. Gases such as water vapor, carbon dioxide and methane, occur naturally in the earth's atmosphere and slow the loss of heat to space. This warming effect, or greenhouse effect, makes the planet warm enough to support life as we know it. And these heat-trapping gases are known as "greenhouse gases."
Human activities that increase the release of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere amplify the greenhouse effect. Burning gasoline to power automobiles and burning coal and natural gas to generate electricity both release the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. These are two of the most significant and pervasive examples of how human activities contribute to the greenhouse effect and to global climate change.
For additional information on the science of climate change, visit:
What are the projected impacts of climate change in the Northwest?
Local scientists project that the Pacific Northwest can expect higher temperatures, wetter winters, drier summers, reduced year-round river flows, increased coastal flooding and erosion, and decreased forest health and productivity. Changes to snow and rain patterns in the mountain watersheds that Seattle depends upon for drinking water, hydroelectricity supplies, and irrigated agriculture are also predicted. The potential impacts of climate disruption on our local and regional flood control and storm water management systems and infrastructure are also significant.
- For additional information on projected impacts on Northwest ecosystems, visit: University of Washington Climate Impacts Group
- For a summary of projected economic impacts on Washington State, visit: Washington Department of Ecology
- For additional information on the projected health impacts of climate change for Washington State residents, visit: Collaborative on Health and the Environment
What is the City of Seattle's role in Climate Protection?
Some may view climate change as a remote global problem that is beyond the capacity and responsibility of local governments to solve. However, many of the solutions to this large-scale challenge depend upon local decision-making and individual action: the choices we make today about energy supply and use, transportation infrastructure, housing infrastructure, solid waste, and land use will all have an enormous impact not only on the future trajectory of greenhouse gas emissions but also on the type of community and quality of life we leave as our legacy to future generations.
So while continuing to press for strong state policy and national leadership to curb greenhouse gas emissions, the City of Seattle has chosen to take actions now at the local level. We believe that actions by local governments, residents, and businesses can make a difference in a global problem and can accelerate and strengthen crucial policy changes at the state and federal levels. When we work together, we can tackle a serious challenge like climate change. We can build a stronger community today and leave behind a greener tomorrow for our children and their children.
Working together, Seattle CAN make a difference.