Title
Climate Change Briefing and Discussion
Report
Issue:
Briefing and discussion on issues related to climate change and the anticipated impacts to Olympia.
Staff Contact:
Stacey Ray, Associate Planner, Community Planning and Development, 360.753.8046
Presenter(s):
Stacey Ray, Associate Planner
Lara Whitely Binder, Climate Outreach and Adaptation Specialist, Climate Impacts Group, University of Washington
Mike Burnham, Associate Planner, Thurston Regional Planning Council (TRPC)
Andy Haub, Water Resources Director, Public Works, City of Olympia
Representative, Thurston Climate Action Team (TCAT)
Background and Analysis:
Climate change and some of its most widely recognized impacts, such as sea level rise, warmer temperatures, and more extreme weather events, are significant issues for Olympia. Scientific study continues to confirm that our climate is warming, and that it is strongly influenced by greenhouse gas emissions generated by human activities.
The most immediate impact to Olympia from climate change is sea level rise, in particular when combined with more intense rain events. Downtown is specifically at risk, as it is only one-half to three feet above the current highest tides. If no protection measures are taken, scientific models show that the anticipated rise in sea level of more than 9 inches by 2050 will cause extensive flooding during high tides. An expected rise in sea level to between 19 and 55-inches by 2100 will cause flooding throughout most of downtown during high tides.
Climate Change and Sea Level Rise in the Draft Comprehensive Plan
Goal GN9 and policies PN9.1-9.7 in the Natural Environment Chapter of the Draft Comprehensive Plan acknowledge that our community will be impacted by climate change, and that we will take an active role in reducing our contribution to it by tracking and reducing the greenhouse gases we produce. In particular, the City will focus on measuring and reducing the carbon footp...
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