## Environment
Seattle's identity is closely tied to water, forests, mountains, and a strong environmental ethic. The city sits on an isthmus between **Puget Sound** and **Lake Washington**, with many parks, shorelines, and views of the Olympic and Cascade ranges.
### Environmental Profile
- **Climate:** Marine west coast climate with mild, wet winters and relatively dry summers. - **Landscape:** Hills, evergreen tree cover, saltwater shoreline, freshwater lakes, creeks, and urban parks. - **Biodiversity context:** Salmon-bearing watersheds, migratory birds, and marine ecosystems are part of the broader regional environment.
### Air and Water
- Air quality is often moderate to good, but **wildfire smoke** can sharply worsen conditions during some summer periods. - Seattle's drinking water is sourced from protected watershed lands, a major environmental asset. - Urban runoff, shoreline impacts, and combined sewer overflow control remain important water-quality issues.
### Protected Areas and Green Space
Within and near Seattle are numerous important natural and recreational areas, including:
- **Discovery Park** - **Green Lake Park** - **Washington Park Arboretum** - **Seward Park** - **Golden Gardens Park** - **Lincoln Park** - **Olympic Sculpture Park** - Regional access to larger park and habitat systems through King County, Washington State Parks, and nearby federal lands
### Sustainability and Climate Action
Seattle is widely known for local climate and sustainability policy, including work on:
- Building decarbonization and electrification - Public transit expansion - Bike and pedestrian infrastructure - Urban forestry and tree-canopy protection debates - Waste diversion, composting, and recycling - Energy conservation and municipal climate planning
### Environmental Challenges
- Wildfire smoke episodes - Sea-level rise and coastal resilience concerns - Earthquake-related infrastructure vulnerability - Housing growth pressures on tree canopy and habitat - Waterway cleanup and stormwater management - Transportation emissions despite strong transit and walkability in some districts
### Recycling and Waste
Seattle is frequently cited for its organics collection system and resident participation in composting and recycling programs. Official sorting guidance comes from **Seattle Public Utilities**.
### Best Sources for Current Conditions
- City of Seattle climate and environment pages - Seattle Public Utilities water quality and waste pages - Puget Sound Clean Air Agency - U.S. EPA and Washington State Department of Ecology
