Plan

City of Seattle, WA: Preparing for a Changing Climate

Summary

While we must accelerate our efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, historic emissions have and will continue to impact the global climate. Additionally, slow progress in reducing future emissions is increasing the likelihood that communities will face significant climate change impacts. These changes will exacerbate the impacts communities are already experiencing. The most significant changes projected for the Northwest include changes in temperature, precipitation, sea level, and ocean acidification. Flooding, heat waves, and extreme high tides are not new challenges in Seattle and we have strategies for dealing with them. However, climate change will shift the frequency, intensity, magnitude, and timing of these events.

Year

2024

Details

Hazards Addressed

Changing Seasons

Extreme Heat

Flooding – Coastal

Flooding – Rainfall-induced

Assets

Critical Facilities

Energy and Utilities

Natural Areas and Wildlife

Property

Transportation and Mobility

Water Infrastructure – Wastewater

View the Plan

Equity Insights

The vulnerabilities in our communities are the result of decades of systemic exclusion from power and resources. To build resilient communities, we must address the root cause of vulnerability and build meaningful political power. While resilience is a response to a looming threat, we also see it as an incredible opportunity to (re) imagine a more just future for all. Deepening local democracy and sustainably centering the communities most impacted by climate change in mitigation and adaptation planning are key to realizing this future. Accordingly, the plan prioritizes actions that reduce risk and enhance resilience in frontline communities (e.g., communities of color, lower income communities, immigrant and refugee communities, disabled residents and seniors), as they are at greater risk from the impacts of climate change and often have the fewest resources to respond to changing conditions.

Lessons Learned

While we must make concerted efforts to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, historic emissions have and will continue to impact the global climate. Additionally, the lack of progress in reducing future emissions means that additional climate change will exacerbate the impacts communities are already experiencing.