UW professor and lead author on IPCC report sees hope for our climate future

headshot of Kyle Armour

It may seem counterintuitive, but on the heels of the most recent IPCC report on our changing climate, Kyle Armour finds reasons for optimism. “The degree of climate change we’ll experience this century depends on our future greenhouse gas emissions, which depend on the collective choices we make. Our future is up to us,” says Armour. He posted his thoughts on Twitter when many headlines about the report’s findings were overwhelmingly grave. 

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Friday Harbor Laboratories' observation system collects and shares real-time data about Salish Sea

The docks at FHL

Friday Harbor Laboratories (FHL) recently established the Friday Harbor Laboratories Ocean Observatory (FHLOO), vastly expanding their capabilities to collect and share real-time data about the surrounding marine environment. Connected to the larger Northwest Association of Networked Ocean Observing Systems (NANOOS), FHLOO takes continuous seawater measurements such as salinity, temperature, CO2, oxygen and chlorophyll, in addition to monitoring microplankton. While the system has been taking measurements since the summer of 2020, the ability to live-stream its data is new, providing a window into the Salish Sea accessible to researchers, students and the public. 

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VIDEO: What is ocean acidification?

Sophie Chu

We hear the phrase “ocean acidification” often, frequently connected to conversations around climate change, but what exactly is ocean acidification? The Cooperative Institute for Climate, Ocean and Ecosystem Studies research scientist Sophie Chu walks us through the causes, effects and implications of ocean acidification. Q: What do you study? A: My research focuses mainly on evaluating existing ocean carbon sensor technology and developing new technologies to measure the carbon cycle and ocean acidification. 

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Research, education hub on ‘coastal resiliency’ will focus on earthquakes, coastal erosion and climate change

A circular tsunami evacuation sign in front of a grassy coastline

The National Science Foundation has funded a multi-institutional team led by Oregon State University and the University of Washington to work on increasing resiliency among Pacific Northwest coastal communities. The new Cascadia Coastlines and Peoples Hazards Research Hub will serve coastal communities in Northern California, Oregon and Washington. The hub’s multidisciplinary approach will span geoscience, social science, public policy and community partnerships. 

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In Memoriam: John A. Wott

John Wott holding a microphone and making a speech

We are saddened to share the news that John A. Wott, retired professor emeritus, Urban Horticulture at the University of Washington and former Washington Park Arboretum director, passed away on August 28, 2021, at the age of 82. Wott, who earned his bachelor’s in agricultural education from Ohio State University in 1961, and then his master’s (1966) and Ph.D. (1968) in ornamental horticulture from Cornell University, established himself as an expert in the horticultural community first at Purdue University and then at the University of Washington. 

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