Protect Health and Safety

People throughout Seattle – especially communities of color – are already experiencing the dangerous results of more severe storms, rising seas, wildfire smoke, and scorching hot days caused by climate change. From buildings damaged by flooding to people harmed by poor air quality or overheating, we are confronting increasing risks to our health and safety.  

Although Seattle’s been taking action to fight climate change for decades now, there’s more we can do to protect ourselves while continuing to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. We need to make sure that the design of our urban environment can buffer us from the health and safety impacts of extreme weather. Our bodies and our infrastructure need support from climate-smart strategies.

Climate Action Spotlight: Reducing Duwamish Valley Flooding 

The Duwamish Valley is heavily affected by sea level rise, as storm surges push the Duwamish River to more frequently overflow its banks, causing flooding and sewer backups. Through planning and advocacy work by community groups like the Duwamish River Community Coalition and strategic investments by Seattle Public Utilities (SPU), the city has built pumps – the South Park Pump Station and local home grinder pumps – that force excess water through the sewers when high tides can prevent systems from draining. Every king tide season – November through January, when the moon is slightly closer to the Earth – SPU also installs temporary sandbag berms that provide an extra layer of flood protection. 

Climate Action Spotlight: Growing Trees to Cool Our City 

Shade from tree canopy is an essential resource for Seattle to cool radiating heat – sometimes known as heat islands – that can be caused by unshaded city roads and buildings during heat waves. This type of heat can lead to increasing cases of heat stroke, heart attacks, and prenatal problems. 

Trees for Seattle is a cross-City team working to grow Seattle’s urban tree canopy to 37% cover by 2037, working intentionally to plant new trees, restore our natural areas, and protect mature trees that provide the most benefits – often in collaboration with residents. Led by the Office of Sustainability and Environment, the citywide team is also focused on closing the equity gap in tree canopy cover, so that frontline communities have equal access to the life-saving benefits of the urban forest.