What Climate Impacts Affect Us Where We Live, Work, and Play?

Spokane is prioritizing climate change resilience through its Climate Planning efforts, as discussed in a recent article by KayCee Downey. The city has released two memos detailing the impacts of changing weather conditions, which are crucial for understanding how climate change affects local communities, especially vulnerable populations. This initiative aligns with Washington State's House Bill 1181, which emphasizes the importance of integrating climate considerations into comprehensive planning. The memos reveal alarming trends, such as a 2ºF increase in average annual temperatures since 1950 and a projected 14% decline in summer rainfall by 2099, which could exacerbate drought conditions. Furthermore, the analysis identifies key vulnerable groups, including low-income residents and individuals with disabilities, who are likely to be most affected by these climate changes.

The findings from the memos will guide the upcoming Climate Risk and Vulnerability Assessment and inform necessary policy updates. Residents are encouraged to engage in the process and provide feedback through the Engage Spokane platform. This proactive approach showcases Spokane's commitment to building a resilient community in the face of climate challenges.