Understanding climate change
Climate includes patterns of temperature, precipitation, humidity, wind and seasons. “Climate change” affects more than just a change in the weather, it refers to seasonal changes over a long period of time.
Spokane Regional Clean Air Agency’s work is centered on reducing criteria air pollution from stationary sources (industrial and commercial operations, wood stoves, outdoor burning). Climate work in our state is lead by the WA Department of Ecology. Local jurisdictions also conduct climate work.
Local, State, and National Resources on Climate Change:
The City of Spokane’s Climate and Resiliency Planning
Jan. 6, 2025: From the City of Spokane’s webpage, linked below:
“The City of Spokane is embarking on a transformative journey to support community resiliency to growing climate hazards. As part of this effort, we’re undertaking a major update to our Comprehensive Plan, a foundational document guiding the city’s growth and development. This update, mandated by the Washington State Growth Management Act and due in 2026, presents a unique opportunity to integrate climate considerations into every aspect of our city’s future.”
Spokane Climate Project
Spokane Climate Project is a collaborative effort between the Pacific Northwest Climate Impacts Research Consortium (CIRC) and the community of Spokane, Washington. The project’s goals are to identify climate and weather impacts faced by the Spokane community as well as resiliency actions designed to keep the community, its economy, and natural systems healthy and prosperous.
Washington State Department of Ecology resources
The Washington State Department of Ecology’s webpage on Climate Change provides information about how Washington is tackling climate change, including current programs and policies.
How you can reduce greenhouse gases? Most greenhouse gases come from human activities, like burning fossil fuels for transportation or energy. You can help reduce the risks we face from climate change by taking steps to reduce the greenhouse gases coming from your home, vehicle, and activities.
NASA resources
NASA’s Global Climate Change explains how the Earth’s climate has changed throughout history and why the current warming trend is of particular significance. You will find facts, articles, solutions and more here.
ClimateKids
ClimateKids is a resource created by NASA to help children understand the impacts and science of climate change. Kids can explore climate change through games, activities, videos and more.
U.S. Global Change Research Program
U.S. Global Change Research Program (USGCRP) is a federal program mandated by Congress to coordinate federal research and investments in understanding the forces shaping the global environment, both human and natural, and their impacts on society. The website provides a wealth of information, including:
- Climate Science Special Reports and Research Plans
- Just released: The fourth National Climate Assessment Volume II
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) is the United Nations body for assessing the science related to climate change.
The United States Environmental Protection Agency
The United States Environmental Protection Agency:
- Climate Change webpage
- Climate Change Indicators webpage.
American Meteorological Society Annual Climate Report
The 2024 Climate Report, is “An international, peer-reviewed publication released each summer, the State of the Climate is the authoritative annual summary of the global climate published as a supplement to the Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society. “The report is based on contributions from scientists from around the world. It provides a detailed update on global climate indicators, notable weather events, and other data collected by environmental monitoring stations and instruments located on land, water, ice, and in space.” (from the AMS website)
Access the 2024 Report and past publications here.