Washington residents invited to discuss state climate change strategy

Several Washington state agencies will host two public meetings to help the state develop a strategy for the possible impacts of climate change. Meetings will take place Nov. 30 in Lacey and Dec. 10 in Wenatchee. The Wenatchee event is 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Wenatchee Public Library, 310 Douglas St. Representatives from the participating agencies will outline ideas being considered to help state and local agencies, businesses, organizations, and individuals prepare for, address and adapt to a changing climate. The meetings are in response to the Washington Legislature’s direction that the state departments of Agriculture, Commerce, Ecology, Fish and Wildlife, Natural Resources, and Transportation develop a strategy. The initial strategy is due Dec. 1, 2011 “While state government and others are working hard to limit the causes of changes in Washington’s climate, we also know changes already are taking place. We must be ready and able to address them,” said Ecology Director Ted Sturdevant. At the meetings, agency representatives and scientists will discuss Washington’s climate trends. The University of Washington’s Climate Impacts Group recently assessed the trends in partnership with researchers at Washington State University, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and the University of Idaho. “As we move forward in developing climate change adaptation strategies, it is critical to engage the public, industry and the scientific community to ensure the solutions arrived at are sound and effective,” said Commissioner of Public Lands Peter Goldmark. “Climate change can provide a platform for us to come together to create a shared vision of Washington’s sustainable future.” Legislators said the agencies’ strategy should: * Summarize the best known science on climate change impacts in Washington. * Address ecosystem and resource management concerns, as well as health and economic risks. * Recommend funding mechanisms and other needed resources. * Outline challenges that state and local governments face, such as regulations and procedures that need to be revised. “Farmers and ranchers face significant risks in climate change models, including less irrigation water from snow melt and emerging plant and animal pests and diseases,” said Agriculture Director Dan Newhouse. “At WSDA, we have the responsibility to explore strategies that will help Washington agriculture understand those impacts and adapt to changing weather and rainfall patterns. As the state responds to climate change, it is my goal for WSDA to be engaged so that agricultural interests will be well represented in the discussions.”