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Why Preparing for Climate Change at the Community Scale Matters

Why Preparing for Climate Change at the Community Scale Matters. Elizabeth Willmott King County, WA Executive Office Global Warming Coordinator. An Idea Ahead of Its Time: An Office of Global Warming -- 1988. Communities are on the front lines. Some impacts are inevitable.

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Why Preparing for Climate Change at the Community Scale Matters

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  1. Why Preparing for Climate Change at the Community Scale Matters Elizabeth Willmott King County, WA Executive Office Global Warming Coordinator

  2. An Idea Ahead of Its Time: An Office of Global Warming -- 1988

  3. Communities are on the front lines. Some impacts are inevitable. • Climate changes in … • Temperature • Precipitation • Snowpack • Sea level • and consequences to… • Public health • Economic livelihoods • Financial sector and the insurance industry • Individual comfort • Recreation could have impacts on… • Streamflow, water supply, and water quality • Soil and water for agriculture • Flooding, stormwater and wastewater • Roads • Hydropower • Coastlines and forests • Wildlife and biodiversity University of Washington Climate Impacts Group 2006; London Climate Change Partnership, October 2002; Climate’s Long-term Impacts on Metro Boston

  4. Community leaders are the first responders to climate change. We… • Ask the climate question • Answer the climate call • Influence others to ask the question and answer the call

  5. Ask the Climate Question What effects will climate change have on our region? • In what areas are we vulnerable? • Will our hazards change and/or increase? • Will our 100-year floods come every 20 years? • Are our levees resilient to more frequent flooding? How would we pay for new levees? • Will we be able to provide the same level of service? Will we be able to achieve our existing policy goals?

  6. Answer the Climate Call Who will… Develop new ways of financing regionwide levee repair? Build a seaside theater that desalinates while it entertains? Who will… Reclaim wastewater to relieve pressure on regional water supply? Encourage green buildings and greenspace in urban centers?

  7. Answer the Climate Call King County “Strategic Focus Areas” • Climate Science • Public Health, Safety and Emergency Preparedness • Surface Water Management, Freshwater Quality and Water Supply • Land Use, Buildings and Transportation • Economic Impacts • Biodiversity and Ecosystems • New Public Health Research • Flood Control Zoning District • Shoreline Master Program Update • Biodiversity and Salmon Recovery Plans

  8. Influence Others to Ask the Question King County “Climate Change Building Blocks” • “Written, direct statements of fact concerning well-accepted information related to climate change” • Voluntary participation of tribes, water districts, utilities, municipalities

  9. Influence Others to Answer the Call • “Urban Leaders Initiative” White Paper with the Center for Clean Air Policy • Federal funding recommendations • Regional government on-the-ground experience and expertise

  10. Prevention is the Best Cure Reduce 80 percent below current levels by 2050 Google: King County Climate Plan, Cool Counties Advocacy for federal cap, CA tailpipe standards National Clean Vehicle Conference Wednesday, September 19 in Seattle www.kingcounty.gov/cleanvehiclesnow

  11. Why It Matters “I won’t be here in 2050, but 2.5 million people will be…” – King County Executive Ron Sims

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