Seattle Times Misleads on Climate Change and Flooding

A recent Seattle Times ClimateLab article falsely claims that human-caused global warming is a major driver of flooding in Seattle's South Park neighborhood. The article, sponsored by activist groups, links the December 2022 flood to climate change, despite clear evidence to the contrary.
South Park, built on the Duwamish River floodplain, has experienced regular flooding for centuries. The December 2022 flood was due to a King Tide, low atmospheric pressure, and heavy rain, not global warming. Sea levels in Seattle have risen about 2.09 mm per year since 1900, with only 4 inches attributed to human-caused warming over the past 50 years. This accounts for just 2% of the 15 feet of water during the flood.
The Seattle Times also claims sea levels will rise another foot by 2050, but historical data shows no acceleration in sea level rise. Even doubling the current rate would result in minimal increases compared to natural factors.
ClimateLab's misleading claims highlight the dangers of advocacy journalism, where paid content masquerades as objective reporting. Such misinformation undermines public understanding of climate science and distracts from real solutions to flooding and other challenges.

Published: 6/9/2025