Community and Science Inform Spokanes Climate Actions

The City of Spokane's Climate Risk and Vulnerability Assessment reveals the local impacts of climate change, including heat, wildfires, and flooding. These climate hazards threaten community well-being, infrastructure, and economic stability. By integrating climate considerations into the PlanSpokane 2046 update, the city aims to enhance resilience and adaptability. Community engagement played a crucial role, with residents sharing experiences that informed the assessment and identified additional risks. The next phase involves developing policies to mitigate and adapt to these climate challenges, with an early policy survey set to launch this summer.

The assessment is funded by a state grant connected to Washington's Climate Commitment Act, which supports climate action initiatives. This comprehensive approach aims to ensure Spokane can better withstand future climate extremes. The city encourages ongoing community involvement to shape its climate response strategies.