City of Seattle, WA: Preparing for a Changing Climate
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.
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.
Options Considered
The following resilience actions were considered in the development of this plan. To explore other resilience actions that may be applicable to your community, visit the complete Options Database.
7 Steps to Define Your Business Process by Stefano Borghi. Used via CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 DEED, via Google.
