This State of Climate Adaptation Science report is designed to give you customizable information about expected changes in the climate and water, related effects on ecosystems, and adaptation responses for ecosystems and regions of the Pacific Northwest. Whenever possible, the synthesis relies on literature published in the last 10 years but also includes key foundational literature and features science funded by the Northwest Climate Adaptation Science Center.

Climate projections summarized in this report are based on the most recent generation of climate models, CMIP6, downscaled for the Pacific Northwest and summarized for 16 ecoregions.

Projections of hydrologic change are based on CMIP5 climate model projections and are also summarized for 16 ecoregions.

Climate effects on ecosystems are summarized in overview reports, one each for four ecosystem types (forests, aquatic, shrubland/grassland, and coastal/marine) and factsheets for each ecosystem by ecoregion (or ecoregion group) combination.

Climate adaptation is summarized by the four ecosystem types and includes key practices and case studies of adaptation efforts relevant to each ecosystem.

Information is provided in multiple formats: overview reports, two-page factsheets, and longer format four- to six-page factsheets. Use the filters below to generate reports of climate projections, hydrologic change, ecosystem effects, and adaptation for the ecosystems and ecoregions that you are interested in. Each customized report will include an introduction and references for the sections that you select. For a full report, select all filters or visit University of Washington ResearchWorks.

Additional resources, searchable by ecosystem stressor, are provided as a list of datasets or references.

The State of Climate Adaptation Science was developed by a geographically diverse, multi-institution author team from across the Northwest. The customized report includes a cover sheet that identifies the authors for each section and a recommended citation. All sections were reviewed by external reviewers.

Select your State of the Science Report components:

1. Select topic area:

An overview of the current generation of climate projections with a comparison to the previous generation. Ecoregion summaries include projections of seasonal temperature and growing season. Select at least one ecoregion.

An overview of the current science on projected changes in precipitation, streamflow regime, and drought. Hydrologic changes summarized by ecoregion include snowpack, climatic moisture deficit, and streamflow. Select at least one ecoregion.

An overview of the current science on expected effects of climate change on four ecosystems types. Ecosystem impacts are summarized by ecoregion for relevant ecosystems. Select at least one ecosytem and one ecoregion.

Summaries of key adaptation options for four ecosystem types. Summaries include the science behind the adaptation options, case studies of adaptation actions, and more resources. Select at least one ecosytem.

2. Select ecosystem(s):

3. Select ecoregion(s): [View map]

   

Additional Resources:

A spreadsheet (csv file) of relevant data sources.

A list of relevant references from our Zotero library.

 Filter by:

Report type:

Ecosystem:

Stressor:

This project was funded by the Northwest Climate Adaptation Science Center (NW CASC) and led by the University of Washington Climate Impacts Group. The report content and design was developed in partnership with the NW CASC Stakeholder Advisory Committee.

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