Lake Forest Park assesses vulnerable communities in climate impact evaluation

The Climate Policy Advisory Team meeting held on February 12, 2025, in Lake Forest Park, Washington, focused on assessing local climate risks and identifying vulnerable communities. The discussions highlighted the need for accurate data on landslide hazards and the importance of recognizing areas that may not be officially classified as high-risk but are known locally to be susceptible.

Team members emphasized the necessity of updating data sources, particularly referencing King County's previous assessments from 2017-2018, which were deemed more current than earlier reports. There was a consensus on the importance of verifying this data to ensure effective climate policy planning.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to identifying sensitive communities within Lake Forest Park. Participants discussed the demographics of the city, noting the presence of older populations and impoverished neighborhoods that may be more vulnerable to climate impacts. The team expressed a need to consider these factors when assessing climate risks and developing strategies to mitigate them.

Concerns were raised about specific groups, such as individuals requiring medical assistance, who may face heightened risks during climate-related events, including power outages. The discussion also touched on health issues, particularly asthma, which could be exacerbated by climate change.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to further explore these topics and engage with the community to ensure that the climate policy effectively addresses the needs of all residents, particularly those most at risk. The team plans to continue its work on refining assessments and developing targeted strategies to enhance community resilience against climate impacts.