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Projections of sea level possibilities need to be broad rather than narrow. The debate <br />among the scientific community on this point is significant and ongoing. Recent studies <br />conducted by NASA and the University of Washington show an acceleration of melting <br />in the West Antarctic contributing to acceleration of sea level rise and other climate <br />change impacts. It may be prudent to develop maps showing a 3 foot sea level rise by <br />the end of this century with variations. These maps are relatively easy to prepare as <br />there are now web -sites that provide the basic calculations. This will allow for a <br />discussion over time with stakeholders (including the Port and Navy) as to timing of <br />events, relationship to storm events, and what appropriate mitigation should be <br />considered. <br />C. Water <br />Everett is the regional water provider for most of the urban areas of Snohomish County. <br />The Everett Public Works Department has conducted evaluations regarding water <br />supply and climate change. Everett's water storage is more dependent on rainfall rather <br />than snow -pack, though both are factors. It is prudent to evaluate this work every few <br />years and begin to look at the impacts to surrounding areas as well. Changes in <br />precipitation and water will likely place new demands on water for human consumption, <br />agriculture and natural resources - fisheries and in -stream flows. An examination of how <br />these events may impact supply and demand on Everett's water supply is appropriate <br />and timely. It may be prudent to examine water supply and demand for other regions in <br />Washington State and the Pacific Northwest as well to identify areas where shortages <br />for potable water or water for agriculture may increase demand on Everett's water <br />supply. Such an analysis will likely provide both challenges and opportunities for new <br />markets for the sale of water. <br />D. Agriculture and food supply <br />Monitoring agriculture and food supply is an appropriate element for an LCAP. Global <br />climate change is having significant impacts on agriculture around the world and locally, <br />including disruption to crops, water and distribution. Impacts to agriculture received <br />particular attention in the "National Climate Assessment" - Northwest Chapter. The <br />Snohomish and Skagit River deltas are among the most productive agricultural areas in <br />Washington State. As food supply disruptions occur elsewhere in the US and abroad, <br />monitoring and protecting local agriculture capacity is an emerging issue with broad <br />regional and state-wide interest. Protecting agricultural lands from encroachment by <br />non-agricultural uses is a significant issue worthy of more careful examination. These <br />are not uniquely rural issues, and it is time to have conversations on these issues and <br />related policy alternatives in light of a changing climate. <br />E. Economic analysis <br />Business, insurance, real estate, finance and economic evaluations are appropriate <br />elements for an LCAP. The "Risky Business" study published this month and referenced <br />earlier in this essay can help inform this analysis. Everett's experience with recent storm <br />events indicates the risks associated with such events. Likewise, recent experiences in <br />New York, Boulder and elsewhere illustrate the relationship between climate change, <br />9 <br />