Climate Adaptation
What is it?
Climate adaptation is about making changes to handle the effects of climate change, like stronger storms or higher temperatures. It includes things like building flood barriers, managing water better, and planting crops that need less water. These actions help protect communities and the environment, making it easier to cope with changes now and in the future.
Fire and Smoke: Communities can prepare for and respond to the increasing risk of wildfires and air pollution due to climate change. As temperatures rise and conditions become drier, wildfires are more likely to occur, leading to dangerous smoke and poor air quality. Strategies include firebreaks, improving building materials to resist fires, enhancing emergency response plans, and promoting safe outdoor air practices to protect public health. These efforts help communities stay safe and resilient in the face of growing wildfire risks.
Flood and Drought: Floods occur when water overflows onto land that is typically dry, often due to heavy rainfall, snowmelt, or excessive river flow. They can cause significant damage to homes, infrastructure, and farmland, disrupting daily life and draining resources. Similarly, droughts are prolonged periods of insufficient rainfall, leading to water shortages that harm water supplies, agriculture, and ecosystems, resulting in crop failures and increased risks of wildfires. Preventing both floods and droughts is essential for the sustainability of a city, as it helps protect communities from costly damages, ensures a reliable water supply, supports food production, and maintains the health of natural resources, ultimately safeguarding the city’s long-term viability and resilience.
Heatwaves: Heat waves are prolonged periods of extreme heat that can last for days or weeks, posing serious health risks, straining energy systems, and damaging infrastructure. As part of climate adaptation, communities implement strategies to reduce their impact, such as expanding tree cover and green spaces for shade, using cool roofs and reflective surfaces to lower temperatures, and providing public cooling centers for vulnerable populations. Energy efficiency improvements also help prevent power grid failures during extreme heat. In the Tri-Cities, adaptation efforts focus on increasing shade, improving water access, and ensuring public safety during high-temperature events.
Who’s working on it in the Tri-Cities?
- Fire Management
- Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR): DNR is the state’s primary agency for wildfire response, employing approximately 600 personnel to combat fires on over 13 million acres of private and state-owned forest lands.
- City of Richland Fire & Emergency Services (RF&ES): This department provides fire suppression, hazardous materials response, emergency medical response, and technical rescue services, focusing on fire prevention and public education.
- City of Kennewick Fire Department: Kennewick offers resources to help residents create defensible space around their homes, including guidance on landscape planning and maintenance to reduce wildfire risk.
- Pasco Fire Department: The Pasco Fire Department provides emergency response, wildfire management, and community fire prevention education to reduce risks of fire and smoke.
- Air Quality
- Benton Clean Air Agency: This agency, which monitors air quality across Benton County, also provides real-time air quality updates, particularly during wildfire season when smoke can impact the Tri-Cities area, including Pasco.
- Washington State Department of Ecology Air Quality Map: State Level. Offers a comprehensive view of air quality across Washington, including the Tri-Cities area, allowing residents to monitor current conditions.
- Building and Landscaping
- Flood Management
- Benton County Public Works Responsible for flood prevention and response in the county, including floodplain management, stormwater systems, and levee maintenance to reduce flood risks.
- Kennewick Public Works Involved in flood prevention efforts by managing stormwater drainage systems and implementing infrastructure improvements to reduce the risk of flooding in the city.
- Tri-City Development Council (TRIDEC) Works to address regional flood risks, focusing on flood protection, infrastructure improvements, and sustainability projects that help mitigate flood-related challenges.
- Drought Management
- Benton Conservation District Works on drought prevention through water conservation initiatives and promoting sustainable agricultural practices, which help the region manage water resources effectively.
- Franklin County Conservation District This organization focuses on educating farmers and landowners on drought management, water use efficiency, and sustainable practices to conserve water resources during dry spells.
- Columbia Basin Irrigation Districts Irrigation districts, like the Columbia Basin Irrigation District, are key players in managing water use and ensuring efficient irrigation systems during drought conditions.
- Heatwaves
- Sustainable Tri-Cities Urban Heat Resilience Group (STC UHR) – Connects with other organizations and have information on how to promote heat resilience.
- Citizens’ Climate Lobby (CCL) Tri-Cities Chapter – A climate change organization that exists to create the political will for a livable world by enabling individual breakthroughs in the exercise of personal and political power.
How can I help?
- Join our working group Urban Heat Resilience.
- Review the Wildfire Risk Reduction Resources page from the Kennewick Fire Department.
- TODO: Link to URH Resources Page. Ask Lora.