From heat waves to forest fires to flooding to drought, we are already experiencing the climate crisis here in Washington. It is imperative that we move collectively, proactively, and equitably to mitigate more change, while also adapting our communities for a rapidly changing world.
Climate change is a complex problem with no singular solution—it requires creativity, out-of-the-box thinking, silo-busting and effort that meets the level of the crisis before us.
The climate crisis is exacerbating disparities within our communities and is impacting already fragile ecosystems. The scope of the crisis requires all hands on deck, and we must act collectively.
Women in Climate Science
Ailene Ettinger, Ph.D.
As a quantitative ecologist, Dr. Ailene Ettinger’s climate change research uses data and models to understand the species, communities and ecosystems around us, how they are affected by climate change and conservation actions we can take to bolster their resilience.
Emily Howe, Ph.D.
An aquatic ecologist with TNC’s cities, land and water programs, Dr. Emily Howe is researching climate adaptation strategies for local forest and watershed management, specifically how tree canopy density affects snowpack depth and spring melt-timing. This has implications for regional water supply and salmon health.
Maia Murphy-Williams
Maia Murphy-Williams is an applied conservation ecologist at TNC in Washington, where she supports TNC’s portfolio of science projects through ecological research, fieldwork, communications and partnerships. She’s also heavily involved in the Greening Research in Tacoma (GRIT) tree project.
Science
Science is helping us better understand and respond to the climate crisis, including how the lands and waters of our region are changing and how communities can respond.
Programs
From forests to mountains, coast to fields, cities to rural towns, our work and programs span the state and beyond, working to support ecosystems and communities.
Policy & Advocacy
Building off our involvement with WA Initiative1631, we've been actively advocating for climate-centered policy, and are committed to supporting equitable climate policymaking strategies and priorities going forward.
Coalitions & Partnerships
Collective action is critical to addressing the climate crisis, and we won’t be able to achieve our goals without collaborative partnerships or coalitions.
Approaches
When it comes to how we approach climate action, we’re focusing on three areas—mitigation (the interruption or reduction of climate change-driving factors), adaptation (helping ecosystems and communities plan ahead and change), and community resilience (working with communities to support them in a changing climate).
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Here in Washington, we’re working to uphold landmark climate legislation that will result in 80% carbon reduction in the state by 2050. Plus, our own science has helped identify how Natural Climate Solutions (NCS) can be leveraged across the state to support the state’s net-zero goals for carbon emissions reductions.
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The climate crisis is already here, meaning we must help ecosystems and communities adapt to the changing climate. We’re monitoring the state’s climate resilience plan, restoring landscapes and waterways at Port Susan Bay to better manage flooding and sea level rise, and evolving our land management practices and planning ahead for a changing climate.
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By working with communities to understand their needs and the threats that climate change poses for them, we seek to help them better prepare for, withstand, and rebound from climate-related events. Recent resilience-focused projects include advocating for robust air quality monitoring in communities, prescribed fire (TREX), and support of Greening Research in Tacoma (GRIT).
More Ways We’re Engaging in Climate Action
Natural Climate Solutions
As one of many strategies to tackle the climate crisis, Natural Climate Solutions (NCS) harness the capacity of forests, wetlands and farmlands to combat climate change.
State Legislation
Each year, we identify opportunities to support climate legislation for both people and nature across Washington. Recent opportunities have led to notable legislative accomplishments.
Emerald Edge
As the largest coastal rainforest on Earth, the Emerald Edge is a priority landscape where we’re supporting Indigenous leaders, and building sustainable economies.
TNC’s Global Climate Action
What we do between now and 2030 will determine whether we can slow warming enough to avoid climate change's worst impacts. See how we’re tackling climate change at a global scale.
Climate Stories
Women in Conservation
From scientists to burn bosses, lobbyists to land stewards, the women and femmes staff at TNC in Washington contribute some of the leading interventions in conservation.
Climate Chronicles: Reflections from TNC in Washington's Director of Climate Action and Resilience
Jamie Stroble, director of climate action and resilience, reflects on the link between healthy community relationships and a healthy climate.
Urban Trees and Climate Change
Climate change is already impacting our cities and towns in the Puget Sound– with increased extreme rain events and flooding, hotter summers, denser air pollution and more. Urban trees are a tool for fighting and adapting to climate change.