Strengthen Natural Systems and Community Resilience

In Seattle, how we use our land, how we design our city, and how we get around has a big impact on our collective ability to manage our changing climate and zero out future emissions. We need our neighborhoods to support our well-being and make us more resilient to the shocks of climate change through access to transportation, services, and amenities that reduce car dependence and strengthen community connections. We must pay special attention to neighborhoods that have historically had less access to green space and clean transportation. 
 
An important strategy for strengthening our neighborhoods is to care for our natural areas that are within the urban environment. When we make sure that nature-based systems like creeks and wetlands are healthy and integrated with human-created landscapes, wildlife thrives, and the places where people live, learn, and play can grow stronger.  

Climate Action Spotlight: Creating Low-Pollution Neighborhoods 

Low-Pollution Neighborhoods is a strategy to create places throughout Seattle that have reduced pollution from transportation and increased safety and comfort for the people who live there. Seattle Department of Transportation and community organizations are working together in several Seattle neighborhoods to pilot ideas that create cleaner air, safer streets, and stronger quality of life. This can come through strategies like designating streets for people-powered and electric methods of travel that have zero emissions. 

Climate Action Spotlight: Strengthening Neighborhood-Scale Natural Drainage Systems 

Thornton Creek in north Seattle is an important natural waterway for people and salmon that is heavily impacted by polluted stormwater flowing across roofs and streets throughout Northgate, Lake City, and other northern neighborhoods. Seattle Public Utilities, Seattle Department of Transportation, and others have worked together for more than a decade to incorporate natural drainage systems with soil and native plants into surrounding neighborhoods in ways that reduce pollution in the water, and also make neighborhoods quieter, more beautiful, and more livable. Learn about one of the current projects here.