The Climate Impacts Group (CIG) is an interdisciplinary research group studying the impacts of natural climate variability and global climate change (“global warming”) on the U.S. Pacific Northwest (PNW). Through research and interaction with regional stakeholders, the CIG works to increase the resilience of the Pacific Northwest to fluctuations in climate.
The CIG's research focuses on four key sectors of the PNW environment: water resources, aquatic ecosystems, forests, and coasts.
The CIG is unique in its focus on the intersection of climate science and public policy. We perform fundamental research on climate impacts and work with PNW planners and policy makers to apply this information to regional decision making processes. The CIG is part of the Center for Science in the Earth System at the University of Washington's Joint Institute for the Study of the Atmosphere and Ocean (JISAO).
Spotlight (past Spotlight features)
- (new) Oregon coho marine survival forecast updated
Review the latest experimental forecast for Oregon coho marine survival (5.8.08) - The PNW climate outlook has been updated
Find out what forecasters are saying about the cool temperatures in the Pacific Northwest (4.30.08) - Nate Mantua and the Pacific salmon collapse
Listen to CIG researcher Nate Mantua and other panelists discuss the collapse of West Coast salmon stocks on Seattle's KUOW (94.9 FM) Weekday program (4.2.08) - CIG has moved!
On March 26, 2008, the CIG moved into its new location on the University of Washington campus (3.26.08) - CIG researcher Philip Mote honored at UW
CIG researcher and Washington State Climatologist Philip Mote is one of five recipients of the 2008 Distinguished Staff Award at the University of Washington (3.13.08) - The PNW Climate CIGnal Issue #12 is now posted
Read the latest issue of the CIG's on-line newsletter (1.28.08) - New report on sea level rise
Interpreting projections of global sea level rise along with local factors like tectonic uplift for Washington's coastal waters (press release) (01.17.08) - Hard copies of the CIG's climate change adaptation guidebook now available
A limited number of copies of the recently published Preparing for Climate Change: A Guidebook for Local, Regional, and State Governments are now available for distribution (12.18.07)
This site contains information about:
Pacific Northwest Climate... an overview of natural climate variability and human-caused climate change in the PNW |
Climate Impacts Research at the CIG... summaries of key findings and details of current research |
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CIG Publications... a comprehensive listing of CIG publications by author, year, and research area Data/Links... global and regional data sources for a variety of climate and natural resource conditions Contact CIG... information about contacting CIG offices and departments, our location, and mailing address |
Forecasts and Planning Tools for PNW Resource Management... short- to medium-term climate and resource forecasts, climate change scenarios, and information and case studies to enable planning for climate variability and change |
Outreach, Classes, and Seminars... information about CIG-sponsored meetings, classes, and seminars |
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