Seattleites are known for their environmental consciousness. Out of all 435 Congressional districts, a study by Yale University found that Washington’s 7th district- covering the Seattle area- is the top district in saying climate change is real. Out of Democratic voters in the Seattle area, nearly 93% see climate change as a reality, as do 60% of Republican voters- well above the national average of the GOP. Despite Seattle’s acceptance of climate change, it can be difficult to measure the tangible impacts of climate change in our everyday lives. But at the end of November, the federal government released one of the most comprehensive reports on climate change, highlighting the concrete impacts that impact everyone. The report, written by thirteen federal agencies, digs deep into the major economic impacts climate change will have across the United States.
Former Vice President Al Gore accused the Trump Administration of attempting to bury the report by releasing it the day after Thanksgiving, on a holiday weekend, when most Americans avoid reading the news. “The President may try to hide the truth, but his own scientists and experts have made it as stark and clear as possible,” says Gore. This is true: the federal report highlights the economic impacts of climate that will affect us all. For the Pacific Northwest, the future of many agricultural industries is threatened by a rapidly heating planet. Washington is and will continue to be impacted by climate change, and here are the industries that will take the biggest hit:
Washington Fisheries: The Northwest is known for its salmon, but the industry is now facing warmer waters as the ocean absorbs the majority of the heat from climate change. Warmer water and less snowpack mean fewer salmon streams, resulting in 22% of salmon habitat loss. This will slash $3 billion in the fishing industry. Because salmon are a crucial branch of the Puget Sound food chain, another marine life is expected to suffer- such as orca whales. What’s more, the algae bloom season is also expected to increase by 30 days, which makes shellfish dangerous to eat.
Washington Agriculture: Washington State is an integral producer in the agricultural industry. But with a two-degree rise in temperatures since 1990, crop industries, like apples and cranberries are taking a toll. Fruit trees bloom earlier, throwing off pollination season. With more sun, fruit can get sunburnt, classifying it as “blemished.” Farmers in Washington found much of their apple crops have been unsellable as fresh apples; the unmarketable apples are only usable for juice or applesauce- of which farmers get only a fraction of the price compared to when apples are sold fresh.
By the end of the century, it is predicted that 10% of the American economy will be cut- the biggest decline since the Great Depression. And Washington is facing these impacts head on. For those who value tangible facts, this federal report provides the real economic ramifications of climate change we all are facing.
