Climate change is likely to bring wetter weather to the Pacific Northwest, according to researchers at the University of Washington. The scientists, who make up a federally sponsored research team known as the Northwest Climate Impacts Group, today will describe what Northwesterners should expect to see over the next 50 years as climate patterns shift. In previous presentations, the researchers have said that flooding could increase, particularly in wetland areas, and that the Northwest coastline could be significantly altered. Also, forests are expected to shrink in size as they face diminished resistance to pests and fires. This research project is part of a larger effort sponsored in part by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, which is assessing the possible effects of global climate change in regions around the U.S.
