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SUBJECTS › ENVIRONMENT › Climate Change

Updated 4/08

Climate Change

Contents

Introduction

There is increasing recognition of climate change on both a global and regional level. "Global warming" refers to increases in global temperatures resulting from an accumulation of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Greenhouse gases include carbon dioxide, methane, and chlorofluorocarbons. These gases trap the sun's heat as it is radiated from the earth, and prevent it from escaping back into space. State and local governments are starting to take actions to reduce greenhouse gases.

According to the National Academy of Sciences, the earth's surface temperature has risen by about one degree Fahrenheit in the past century, with accelerated warming during the past two decades. Most warming over the last 50 years is attributed to human-caused global warming.

Around the world and in the Pacific Northwest, noticeable changes in natural resources and plants and animals have been associated with this warming, from shrinking glaciers and mountain snowpacks to altered migratory patterns. These changes are expected to continue as global warming intensifies.

This Web page provides links to basic information about climate change, particularly regional climate change in the Pacific Northwest. It emphasizes state and local efforts to address climate change issues.

If you have information to share or are aware of other Web sites that we should link to, please contact Carol Tobin, Public Policy Consultant at ctobin@mrsc.org, or call (206) 625-1300.

News Notes - April 2008 AWC Training Presentations

On April 16, 2008 AWC held a one-day training session on Creating "Cooler" Cities – Municipal Responses to Climate Change at the Tacoma Convention Center.  Presentations from the workshop are now available.

General Climate Resources

Scientific and Public Policy Information Related to Climate Change

In 2007, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change reports and the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Bali have been in the spotlight as governments at all levels are addressing global warming and climate impacts. The Northwest has been on the leading edge of climate issues, both from scientific and public policy perspectives.

International

U.S. Government

Northwest Climate Information

In Washington State, the University of Washington and Washington State University have conducted valuable research on regional climate change and provided scientific data and policy analysis on global warming and climate issues.

Center for Science in the Earth System (CSES) at the University of Washington - Performs integrated research on the impacts of climate on the U.S. Pacific Northwest (PNW) by combining and integrating expertise in climate, ecology, hydrology, and institutional and policy analysis. The CSES also researches the application of climate information in regional decision-making processes in support of an eventual regional-oriented climate service.

CSES is a portal to three sites:

  • Climate Impacts Group (CIG) - An interdisciplinary research group studying the impacts of natural climate variability and global climate change on the Pacific Northwest. The CIG works with planners and policy makers to apply this information to regional decision making processes and hosts a climate update mailing list for periodic research updates, announcements, and other information related to the Pacific Northwest climate
  • Climate Dynamics Group (CDG) - Studies the large scale variability and predictability of the coupled atmosphere-ocean system with special emphasis on those processes of most relevance to the Pacific Northwest
  • Office of the Washington State Climatologist (OWSC) - The State Climatologist collects, disseminates, and interprets climate data. This site provides links to sources of climate data and seasonal forecasts for the state of Washington.

Selected Publications of the University of Washington Climate Impacts Group

Washington State University Climate Information

State and Local Government Response to Climate Change

In 2008, the Legislature passed and funded a law that commits to reducing global warming pollution while building a clean energy economy and green-collar jobs in Washington. The Legislature also passed legislation to address how our land use decisions impact climate change.

The Climate Action and Green Jobs Bill, ESSHB 2815, requested by Governor Gregoire, sets limits on global warming pollution, sets goals for reducing miles traveled, and establishes a program to train people for jobs in the clean energy industry.
The Local Solutions to Global Warming Bill, SB6580, sets in motion the important first steps to support local governments that are interested in addressing climate change through their land use and transportation planning and lays the groundwork for future policy changes.

The state legislature passed an act related to mitigating the impacts of climate change in 2007 (ESSB 6001, Ch. 307, Laws of 2007). This act establishes state goals to reduce greenhouse gases emissions as well as a greenhouse gases emissions performance standard for electric utilities operating in the state. Various reports are required by state agencies and the Governor.

In 2005, the state legislature enacted motor vehicle emissions standards requiring new cars in Washington to be less polluting (ESHB 1397) (Ch. 295, Laws of 2005). This will help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions which contribute to global warming. Related state legislation passed in 2006 established minimum renewable fuel content requirements and fuel quality standards (ESSB 6508)(Ch. 338, Laws of 2006).

Several regional air pollution agencies have developed Web pages on climate change and some local governments have enacted resolutions or ordinances addressing emission standards and other climate issues. Seattle, King County, and Olympia are among the Washington jurisdictions that have taken a leadership role in addressing climate change. Some comprehensive plans include policies related to air quality and climate issues.

General Information on Local Governments and Climate Change

Washington State and Regional Governments

Washington Cities and Counties

Legal Issues and Environmental Review of Climate Impacts

Comprehensive Plans and Benchmarking Reports addressing Climate Issues

Local Governments Outside Washington State

Oregon, California, and British Columbia Links on Climate Change

Related MRSC Web Pages

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