Overview: The climate crisis is already impacting the Pacific Northwest. Here in the valley, we can anticipate an increase in frequency, severity, and intensity of wildfires; additionally, decreased wintertime snowpack and faster spring melt cycles may result in water shortages during the summer months. The Pacific Northwest will also experience an increase in precipitation in the form of rain which may lead to an increase in flooding and landslides, especially after wildfire events.
The climate crisis will disproportionately impact low-income, and rural communities first. By planning and acting proactively the Methow Valley can create resiliency in the face of our changing climate and ensure future generation’s livelihoods, which is vital to protecting our natural environment and rural character.
Resilient Methow and the Climate Action Plan: Over the past year and a half the Citizens Council and over 45 other local organizations, agencies, and community leaders have been working to develop a Climate Action Plan for the Methow Valley. This is a community-driven, collaborative effort involving representatives from the agriculture, health and emergency services, infrastructure, natural systems, and economic sectors of the valley. To learn more about The Methow Valley Climate Action Plan, please visit www.resilientmethow.org.
Volunteer Opportunities: We have numerous unpaid internship opportunities for people under the age of 25. These internships provide valuable real-world experience in the environmental field. Past interns have expanded our clean air sensor network, developed outreach material to high-risk of smoke exposure residents, and organized a youth climate lobby day in Olympia. You can read more about our past interns experiences here.
Resources:
University of Washington ‘Climate Impacts in Brief’
Northwest Climate Change Toolbox
Fourth National Climate Change Assessment
First National Climate Change Assessment
US Forest Service Statements on Climate Change in the Pacific Northwest
PNW Tribal Climate Change Network
Climate Change Resilience in the Pacific Northwest
Pacific Northwest Vulnerability Assessment