Third Oregon Climate Assessment Report (2017)
Posted by
CAKE TeamPublished
Abstract
This report presents strengthening evidence that Oregon is already experiencing the effects of climate change.
Key climate risks vary across Oregon
On the Coast, sea level rise will increase the risk of coastal erosion and flooding; warming waters and ocean acidification will degrade estuarine habitat crucial for salmon and shellfish and negatively affect nearshore fisheries; and forest vegetation in the Coast Range may shift. In the Willamette Valley, declining snow-pack, earlier snowmelt, and greater summer water demand may increase summer water scarcity; and wildfire activity is expected to increase. In the Cascade Range, diminishing snowpack leads to larger, earlier peak flow events and lower summer low flows; more wildfires and changes in climate suitability may shift forest vegetation types. In Eastern Oregon, declining snowpack has similar effects; warming streams will limit ranges for salmon and trout; disturbances and changes in suitability are expected to shift forest vegetation; and rangeland and sage-brush habitat may experience greater invasion of non-native weeds and more frequent fires.