Discover How Climate Impacts Your Life: Participate in the Tri-Cities Survey Today! – Northwest Public Broadcasting

Washington State has a new law that requires cities and counties to create climate change plans. Officials in the Tri-Cities area are eager to involve the community in this vital work.

Under the new regulations, municipalities must incorporate climate change into their long-term growth and development plans. Erin Braich, Director of the Benton-Franklin Council of Governments, emphasizes the importance of collaboration. “By working together, we can tackle climate change more effectively than by going solo,” she said.

Across Washington, cities from Seattle to Spokane are crafting comprehensive plans. The aim is to ensure communities are better equipped to handle disasters like floods and droughts. This includes cutting greenhouse gas emissions and reducing vehicle mileage for government fleets.

“Every city or county must put together a comprehensive plan for housing, transportation, or land use,” Braich explained. “Now, they also need to address climate planning.”

In southeastern Washington, local leaders are seeking ways to support one another in reducing climate impacts. As part of their efforts, the Tri-Cities are conducting a survey to gather community input on climate-related hazards and trends. You can find the survey online in English and Spanish.

The Tri-Cities faces challenges from climate change, including increased temperatures, more smoke from wildfires, prolonged droughts, and heightened flooding from changing rainfall patterns. Braich, who grew up in the Tri-Cities, notes the shift in weather patterns: “When I was a kid, we’d have a few days over 100 degrees. Now, it’s common to have two weeks or more of extreme heat, even over 110 degrees.”

Historically, changes in the region’s climate are evident. Braich points out that snowfall now primarily happens in February, whereas before, winter storms had a more varied pattern.

Data from the National Extension Climate Initiative shows that temperatures in Benton County have risen by 2.9 degrees since 1895, while Franklin County has seen an increase of 2.3 degrees. Furthermore, the Climate Toolbox suggests that while winter precipitation may rise by up to 19%, summer rainfall could drop by as much as 8.5%, heightening drought risks.

Braich stresses the importance of regional planning for these issues. “The Tri-Cities have unique geographic features, with major rivers and hills shaping weather patterns. A weather event doesn’t just affect one city; it impacts the entire area. Therefore, understanding the broader regional implications is crucial.”

Community involvement in shaping these climate change plans is more important than ever. As the Tri-Cities adapt to shifting weather patterns, local insights can guide effective and meaningful strategies for the future.

Check out this related article: Exploring the Effects of Non-Native Plants and Climate Change on New York’s Wetlands: What You Need to Know

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