Washington State s Response to Climate Change. Hedia Adelsman September 6, 2013 Climate Change Seminar for Journalists

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1 Washington State s Response to Climate Change Hedia Adelsman September 6, 2013 Climate Change Seminar for Journalists 1

2 Human activities are changing the climate in ways that have committed us to centuries of change in temperature, precipitation, sea level rise, and ocean chemistry posing risks to our economy, environment and way of life. 2

3 The Challenge All regions and sectors of the state s economy will be affected, in different ways. Climate change could have severe consequences to human health. Our communities, infrastructure and buildings could face increased damage costs and disruptions. Climate change will likely stress our water supplies, forests, agriculture and fish and wildlife. Climate change will erode the benefits and services provided by our ecosystems. 3

4 Over 25 disaster declarations from due to severe droughts, extensive flooding, landslides, and storms. Actual Costs Examples: 2001 drought resulted in $5.8 billion in hydropower revenue, and $130 million in agriculture revenue in the Yakima Basin and 2008 closures of I-5 and I-90 resulted in $80 million in economic losses to the trucking industry, and about $62 million in damages to highways and roads. Potential Costs: In Puget Sound counties, structures valued at about 29 billion are located in flood hazard areas. Irrigated agriculture in the Columbia River Basin is valued at over $1.5 billion. Potential economic cost of doing nothing by 2020 is estimated at 10 billion/y. 4

5 Potential Economic Costs in Washington costs of doing nothing (million dollars per year) Lost Natural Water Storage $7,150 $11,100 Increased health-related costs $1,300 $2,200 Reduced salmon populations $531 $1,400 Increased energy costs (reduced hydro supply, higher energy demand) $222 $623 Increased wildland fire costs $102 $208 Lost recreation opportunities $75 $210 Increased coastal and storm damage $72 $150 Reduced food production $35 $64 Impacts to Forestry of Beetle Kill $31 $28.7 Total increased costs $9,500 $15,900 By 2020 total cost expected to reach $3,166 per household each year Source: University of Oregon, Climate Leadership Initiative 5

6 Responding to the Challenge We know enough about our vulnerability to take action now. Economic cost of not taking action is significant. Pursuing a two-pronged approach is essential to sustain our economy: Reduce and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions Prepare for, address and adapt to the impacts of climate change 6

7 Million Metric Tons CO 2 e WA s Greenhouse Gas Emissions Washington GHG Emissions Trend & Statutory Limits Historical Projected Emissions 25% Below % Below to present WA adopted several policies to reduce GHG emissions We will likely not meet the State s mandatory reduction limits for 2020, 2035 and 2050 WA 7

8 Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions Senate Bill 5802 In 2013, Engrossed Second Substitute Senate Bill 5802 (proposed by Governor Inslee) created Climate Legislative and Executive Workgroup which includes: Governor Senators Doug Ericksen and Kevin Ranker Representatives Joe Fitzgibbon and Shelly Short Five alternates Workgroup will be informed by an evaluation of existing programs in and outside WA, being prepared by a consultant. Workgroup s charge is to recommend a state program of actions and policies to achieve state s GHG limits, by Dec. 31, Three public hearings are scheduled. 8

9 Preparing for Impacts of Climate Change 2012 Integrated Climate Response Strategy s Policy Goals: Protect most vulnerable populations, communities, infrastructure, and ecosystems. Guide future development/ investment away from hazard areas. Incorporate climate change risks into agency decision-making. Improve understanding of climate change risks. Engage the public in climate change conversations and actions. 9

10 Build Climate Resilience by Asking the Climate Questions Can we achieve our goals in a changing climate? How do we protect our investments, environment as the climate changes? What is necessary to reduce risks associated with a changing climate? How do we avoid creating new risks? What opportunities should we prepare for? Answering these questions requires information, institutional support, resources and public beliefs and attitudes. Examples 10

11 Assessing Impacts of Climate Change on WA s Over 7,000 miles of roadway Over 8,500 bridges 39 tunnels and covered sections of highway 42 rest areas 22 ferry terminals 1 ferry maintenance facility 4 freight rail lines in eastern WA 3 high-speed commuter trains in Western WA 16 airports providing multiple purposes Transportation System 11

12 Climate Change in the Columbia River Basin Aggressively pursue development of water supply to benefit fish and out-of-stream uses - $200 million. improve water management 2013 "Water, Jobs, and Fish Act provides $137 million for Yakima Integrated Plan implementation for the Consider climate change in prioritizing restoration projects Consider land purchases or conservation easements in locations especially sensitive to climate change and with high ecological value. Climate change is emerging as hot issue in the Columbia River Treaty talks with Canada. 12

13 T h e I n s u r a n c e I n d u s t r y C l i m a t e R i s k The insurance industry is a key driver of national and global economies. If climate change undermines its financial viability it will be devastating to the economy. Is the industry prepared? Insurance commissioners from CA, WA and NY are requiring insurers doing business in their states to disclose their climate-related risks. A 2013 report by CERES concluded not very 13

14 Engaging the Public King Tide Project Alki Beach, West Seattle Photo by Hugh Shipman, WA Dept of Ecology 14

15 Help public visualize what 2 Feet of SLR Look Like Alki Beach, West Seattle, January 21, 2010 Photo by Hugh Shipman, WA Dept. of Ecology 15

16 R e g i o n a l C o l l a b o r a t i o n The Pacific Coast Collaborative: forum for leadership and information sharing, and a common voice on issues faced by the region, such as clean energy, transportation and climate change. West Coast Governors Alliance on Ocean Health: working together, in collaboration with federal agencies, to develop actions to mitigate and adapt to the impacts of climate change and related coastal hazards. Western Governors Association: 10 year Energy Vision, a set of regional goals and objectives the 19 Governors have agreed to use to guide energy development, use and policy, in the West. West Coast Infrastructure Exchange: develop innovative new methods to finance infrastructure with private sector. 16

17 Summary Climate change is already causing wide-ranging impacts. Our highest concern is the State s sensitivity to higher temperatures, too much/too little water, rising sea levels, and changing ocean chemistry. Need to act now to reduce GHG emissions and respond to changing climate conditions. Climate change is creating a new and dynamic decision environment requiring leadership and collaboration. Need to expand public dialogue from its current focus on reducing GHG emissions to responding to climate risks. Finally, without an informed public conversation governments actions may not be effectively implemented. 17

18 18 Photo: Hugh Shipman : For More Information Washington Department of Ecology :