Biophysical Climate Risks and Economic Impacts for Washington State

Abstract

The Washington State 2021-23 Operating Budget ESSB 5092 Sec 606(23)) funded the University of Washington Climate Impacts Group (CIG) to “provide an updated climate risk assessment designed to inform future updates to the statewide climate resilience strategy.” The UW CIG, with Washington State University IMPACT Center, compiled information on two science-based elements of climate risk: Biophysical Impacts: Projections of the magnitude and timing of changes in the climate and climate-related hazards. Expected climate changes are mapped for Washington State, summarized by county, and presented in an interactive web application for local governments and state agencies, Climate Mapping for a Resilient Washington. Economic Impacts: Case studies of the economic consequences of three key biophysical impacts — extreme heat, wildfire, drought —for the economy in Washington. This assessment of future changes in the climate and climate-related hazards, with associated economic consequences, can inform state and local plans for climate resilience and prioritization of funding for risk-reduction activities.