Snohomish County Launches New Tool to Evaluate Vulnerability to Climate Change and Impacts to Local Communities

Snohomish County has unveiled a new Climate Vulnerability Tool (CVT) to assess local communities' vulnerability to climate change impacts. This innovative tool assigns a Combined Vulnerability Score to each Census block, aiding residents in understanding their risks from various climate hazards, including wildfires, extreme heat, and flooding. Executive Dave Somers highlighted the importance of the CVT in fostering community engagement and preparedness in the face of climate change. The CVT is part of the newly launched resource hub, Snohomish County Prepares for a Changing Climate, which consolidates existing climate plans and policies. This initiative responds to the growing urgency of climate emergencies, such as the Bolt Creek Fire and recent flooding, which have highlighted the disproportionate impact on marginalized communities.

The tool also considers health implications, as climate change can exacerbate chronic conditions like asthma and heart disease. Developed with funding from the Washington State Department of Commerce, the CVT utilizes mid-century climate projections to inform residents. By empowering communities with this information, Snohomish County aims to enhance resilience and adaptability to ongoing and future climate challenges.