2014/07/16 Council Agenda Packet

"Risky Business" documents the economic risks our nation faces from climate change using standard risk assessment methods. Like the National Climate Assessment, the study examines a range of potential consequences for each region of the US as well as selected sectors of the economy if we continue on our current path. These include damage to coastal property and infrastructure from rising sea levels and storms, changes in agriculture production, energy demand, higher temperatures, labor and public health. The Study calls for aggressive measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and prepare to adapt to changes in the environment and the economy. The overarching takeaway from these studies, reports and recommendations is that climate change is not an issue that will impact our future - it is impacting us now. We have been - and will continue - experiencing the effects of a changing climate. The consequences of climate change are - and will continue - to unfold, sometimes with disastrous consequences. How we respond will have an impact on the degree and severity of these impacts on future generations. This last point is of particular importance because we cannot reverse the impacts already set in motion. However, we can most certainly reduce the severity of them by acting now. In "High Tide On Main Street", John Englander points out that one advantage we have in addressing climate change over other disasters, is that we have time to plan and prepare for it. Planning requires that we think differently about the world around us, our role in that world, and what we can and should do to reduce greenhouse gases. and adapt to the changes that are happening and will continue to happen. We need to do both simultaneously. The strategies for addressing climate impacts fall into two categories: Mitigation - reducing greenhouse gases (GHG), and Adaptation - preparing for changes that are already underway. These strategies will vary depending upon a number of factors including: geography, local weather, and the unique circumstances of each area. In Washington State, the National Climate Assessment - Northwest regional section, and the work of the CIG, provide great starting points to inform mitigation and adaptation planning. Furthermore, Governor Inslee's Office and various State Agencies including the Washington State Departments of Ecology, Commerce, Transportation, Natural Resources and others are aware, engaged and responding to climate issues. At the local government level, there are local and regional efforts already underway that will address climate change mitigation and adaptation. The Puget Sound Council of Governments, and the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency are encouraging local jurisdictions to include climate change adaptation and mitigation in their comprehensive plan updates. Both agencies have technical resources that can inform and assist local efforts, particularly regarding transportation and reducing GHG emissions. In 2014 the Puget Sound Regional Council adopted "Transportation 2040" as the region's transportation plan ("PSRC Vision 2040, Appendix L: Climate Change Background" addresses climate change strategies and is attached here as Appendix C) 4