Global Warming Debate Heats Up in the Pacific Northwest as Air and Water Temperatures Rise Faster Than World Average

When it comes to weather, the Pacific Northwest is best known for its legendary rain, but the region may be on its way to becoming the poster child for the effects of global warming and climate change.

The Pacific Northwest is warming faster than most other places in the world, according to a new study released in October by the Climate Impacts Group at the University of Washington and the Puget Sound Action Team, which defines, coordinates and implements Washington state’s environmental agenda for Puget Sound, the region’s most vital marine habitat.

While average global temperatures rose 1.1 degrees Fahrenheit during the 20th century, Northwest winters have warmed 2.7 degrees since 1950, in part because of cycles in ocean conditions. Water temperatures are escalating, too, and water levels are rising at a rate that is outpacing world averages. Scientists are already seeing dramatic effects from these changes, from changes in snowmelt and river flows to deadly consequences for fish and other marine life, and those effects will quickly become worse if action isn’t taken.

News media reports about Pacific Northwest climate changes:

Climate changes mean big change in Puget Sound – The Seattle Times
A rapid warm-up for the Northwest – Christian Science Monitor
In the Northwest: We must wake up to realities of global warming – Seattle Post-Intelligencer
The truth about global warming - The Seattle Times

Learn more about:

The Pacific Northwest climate
Impacts of Climate Change in the United States – Pacific Northwest
The Greenhouse Effect and Global Warming
How You Can Reduce Global Warming