Climate change presents specific risks to Lake Forest Park. One of the risks identified in the draft climate element of the Comprehensive Plan is drought.

Dry weather is an inconvenience, when gardens must be watered, new insects are attracted to distressed plants. There is more dust in the air which can exacerbate asthma and lung disease.

Dust can cause nasal dryness and congestion. More dust means the need to change air filters more often and cars and outside spaces are dustier.

Right now, drought is stressing the trees and plants . Stressed trees drop their leaves earlier than usual. It is called “weather related leaf drop.” If the impact on trees is only one year, it probably won’t hurt the tree.

However prolonged and frequent drought conditions result in stress that can mean n

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