Overview

• Washington's snowpack has decreased by a third since 1955, with projections of up to 70% more reduction by the 2080s.
• The shift from snow to rain and earlier melting periods are straining water and power supplies, leading to more frequent water restrictions and higher utility rates.
• Seattle Public Utilities and Seattle City Light are exploring costly measures to adapt, including diversifying water sources and investing in renewable energy.
• Climate change impacts extend beyond water and power, affecting agriculture, biodiversity, and increasing the risk of wildfires and floods.
• The Seattle Times launches Climate Lab to explore and report on the effects of climate change in the Pacific Northwest and beyond.