Climate Resilience Planning and Action

Participate in the County’s Climate Resilience Planning Efforts

Tuesday, November 19^th

5:30pm - 6:30pm

Meeting link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89702972087?pwd=8Vk224ABG3bQSV7JMYCDbCRaUsd5wu.1

How Has Extreme Weather Impacted You?
Share your experiences and learn about the County’s efforts to build resilience to the impacts of climate change

San Juan County is conducting a Climate Vulnerability Assessment to better understand how and to what extent our community – including buildings, energy, transportation, water quality, and resources – is vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.

We want to hear about your lived experiences with extreme weather events and how climate change is impacting our community. Your participation will also help prioritize the strategies San Juan County pursues to build our adaptive capacity to these impacts.

Join us virtually Tuesday, November 19th at 5:30pm-6:30pm to learn about our work on a climate vulnerability assessment, initial findings, and share your experiences and input. This listening session is a part of our broader climate resilience planning effort including the development of Climate Element for the Comprehensive Plan and a Climate Action Plan for implementation.

Join us virtually!

November 19^th from 5:30pm - 6:30pm

Meeting link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89702972087?pwd=8Vk224ABG3bQSV7JMYCDbCRaUsd5wu.1

We are happy to be joining forces with the Comprehensive Plan update team and hitting the road for a series of open house events and information booths on San Juan, Orcas, and Lopez!

Community members are invited to come learn more about the Comp Plan Update, including the new Climate Element development, and provide input. Come join us in planning for the next 20 years and beyond!

SAN JUAN ISLAND
Tuesday - October 22, 2024
SJI GRANGE (4-6PM)
152 First St N, Friday Harbor, San Juan Island

Friday - October 25, 2024
FRIDAY HARBOR MARKET PLACE (10AM-1PM)
515 Market St, Friday Harbor, San Juan Island

ORCAS ISLAND
Wednesday - October 23, 2024
ISLAND MARKET (10AM-1PM)
469 Market St B, Eastsound, Orcas Island

Wednesday - October 23, 2024
ORCAS FIRE STATION (4-6PM)
45 Lavender Ln, Eastsound, Orcas Island

LOPEZ ISLAND
Thursday - October 24, 2024
LOPEZ VILLAGE MARKET (10AM-1PM)
162 Weeks Rd, Lopez Island

Thursday - October 24, 2024
LOPEZ CENTER FOR COMMUNITY AND THE ARTS (5-7PM)
204 Village Rd, Lopez Island

As part of our continued community engagement for the building of the Climate Element and Climate Action Plan, we're hosting a poster stickering activity to understand our community's priorities for adaptation and mitigation strategies are focused. We kicked off this postering activity in August at the San Juan County Fair and had some great conversations about people's concerns and priorities.

We hope to see many Islanders at these events!

San Juan County has released the Phase 1 Engagement Report for climate resilience planning. This comprehensive summary of community feedback from the first phase of outreach will guide the development of the County’s Climate Element (CE) and Climate Action Plan (CAP). This process of gathering critical input will shape the direction of the County’s ongoing efforts to address climate change and enhance local resilience through informed, community-driven policymaking. Read the full report here.

The Phase 1 engagement process was designed to build early awareness and momentum for climate resilience planning efforts, and to understand the community’s vision for climate priorities and solutions. San Juan County collected valuable insights through a community-wide climate survey and and a series of climate conversations facilitated by volunteer Climate Collaborators. The survey received 853 responses, and 46 climate conversations were hosted with individuals at events and in-home discussions, as well as clubs and group meetings.

Islanders’ responses throughout Phase 1 outreach activities centered around key themes, including:

• Call for Leadership and Action: There is a clear call for proactive County leadership and forward-thinking action to address climate issues, specifically more strategic planning and effective tracking measures.
• Community Engagement and Awareness: Islanders are engaged and interested in climate issues, with a need for ongoing education and positive framing to foster broader understanding and support.
• Economic Considerations: Islanders are concerned about the costs associated with climate action and emphasize the need for financial incentives or support to facilitate effective climate measures.
• Impacts of Tourism and Population Growth: Islanders expressed concerns about how tourism, second-home ownership, and population growth may affect the efficacy of local action.
• Local Climate Impacts: There is a strong awareness of specific local climate impacts, such as wildfire risks, water scarcity, and poor air quality, which affect the community's daily life and priorities.
• Support for Specific Climate Solutions: Specific climate solutions were elevated, such as waste diversion, sustainable land use, natural ecosystem conservation, and preparedness for extreme weather events.
• Water and Natural Resource Concerns: Islanders voiced concerns for the impact of climate change on water availability and the importance of protecting local environments and ecosystems.
• Wildfire Mitigation and Resilience: Wildfire smoke and wildfire resilience are significant concerns. Islanders see addressing wildfire mitigation and enhancing community preparedness as a high priority.

The community feedback received will directly inform policy development, the climate vulnerability assessment, and CAP actions. The second phase of outreach, which focuses on identifying the community’s climate priorities, kicked off earlier this month and extends through the fall. Islanders will have a chance to learn more and help set priorities at a series of local events. A second survey will be part of the third phase this winter.

The Phase 1 Engagement Report, which includes summaries of the first climate survey and the first phase of Climate Collaborators, is available in the Resources section on this page.

The recently completed Climate Policy Audit has been added to the project resources on this page. This document, prepared by Cascadia Consulting, identifies trends, gaps, and opportunities to guide the development of the goals and policies for the Climate Element of the Comprehensive Plan. Our thanks go out to the County staff and partners who participated in interviews as part of this process.

Read the Climate Policy Audit >>>

San Juan County residents are invited to participate in a crucial climate survey to help shape the future of our community. This survey is a key part of our efforts to understand the community’s vision, values, and concerns regarding the impacts of climate change. Your input will play a vital role in developing the Climate Element for the Comprehensive Plan and a robust Climate Action Plan (CAP).

The survey is available online and can be accessed here or via the survey link at the top right of the Climate Resilience Planning and Action Project Page at https://engage.sanjuancountywa.gov/climate-action. The anonymous survey takes 12-15 minutes to complete and is available in English and Spanish.

The results of this survey will be analyzed by Cascadia Consulting along with other data from the first phase of public engagement. The responses will provide valuable insights into what the residents of the San Juan Islands value most and their primary concerns regarding climate change. This is your opportunity to influence the policies and actions that will guide San Juan County in addressing climate change.

This initial survey is the first of many engagement opportunities designed to involve the community in the climate resilience planning process. Later this summer, a second survey will be launched to gather input on prioritized strategies. Continuous community involvement is essential for creating meaningful and effective climate policies.

Learn More

To find out more about our efforts and stay updated on the Climate Element and Climate Action Plan, please visit the Climate Resilience Planning and Action Project Page at https://engage.sanjuancountywa.gov/climate-action.

Join us in creating a resilient and sustainable future for San Juan County. Take the survey today and make your voice heard!

Media Contact: Angela Broderick, Climate and Sustainability Coordinator, angelab@sanjuancountywa.gov, 360-370-0537

About San Juan County’s Department of Environmental Stewardship

San Juan County’s Department of Environmental Stewardship is responsible for solid waste, marine resources, clean water, cultural resources, and climate and sustainability work. The department offices are located at 1609 Beaverton Valley Road, Friday Harbor, WA 98250. For more information about San Juan County’s Department of Environmental Stewardship, visit www.sanjuancountywa.gov/839/Environmental-Stewardship.

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We are happy to announce the launch of our Climate Resilience Planning effort in the community!

San Juan County is developing a dedicated Climate Element as part of the County’s Comprehensive Plan update and an accompanying Climate Action Plan (CAP). We are calling in all citizens to join us in this important process!

The Climate Element and CAP will provide a long-term vision, climate policies, and an implementation strategy for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and preparing our community for current and future climate impacts. By fostering a comprehensive approach to climate-related challenges, the County aims to pave the way for a resilient and sustainable future, ensuring the well-being of its residents and the preservation of its natural resources for generations to come.

What is the Climate Element of the Comprehensive Plan Update?

The Climate Element will identify goals and policies to address climate change and increase resiliency to climate impacts within the County’s Comprehensive Plan. Including this element is now required by the Growth Management Act (Chapter 36.70A RCW) which was amended in 2023 under Washington House Bill 1181 to direct cities and counties to integrate climate mitigation and/or resilience policies into their periodic comprehensive plan updates.

What is the Climate Action Plan (CAP)?  

The CAP will provide implementation strategies and actions to carry out the goals and policies established in the Climate Element.  The CAP will provide a consistent, clear, and actionable framework to guide mitigation and resilience actions that serve as the foundation for ongoing community education and dialogue about climate action.

A project factsheet is available here.

How to get involved

This planning effort seeks to identify effective and equitable climate actions that will guide the County in making thoughtful investments in alignment with our community’s goals. You can help determine how resources are used and what projects we undertake to enhance the well-being of the entire community.

Community outreach and participation is embedded throughout this project. San Juan County residents are invited to get involved with our first phase of engagement opportunities:

• Climate Survey 1

The first of two community-wide climate surveys is open now through June 16. San Juan County residents are invited to take this survey to help us better understand the community’s vision, what Islanders value, and your concerns for climate change impacts. The second climate survey, which will run later in the summer, will focus on prioritized strategies. The survey is available here or via the survey link at the top right of this webpage.

• Community Conversations

Watch for “Climate Collaborators” at events and group gatherings. These citizen volunteers will be chatting with Islanders to hear about their experiences and sharing information about how you can get involved with the climate planning process.

Your input is critical to this process, and we appreciate you taking the time to share your feedback!

San Juan County is accepting applications for two volunteer positions on its Climate and Sustainability Advisory Committee.

• A member from District 3 (Lopez/Shaw) - 4-year term
• A youth member (age 16-19) – 2-year term

The Climate and Sustainability Advisory Committee was established by the San Juan County Council in early 2022 to help steer the County’s climate action work by advising on policy, helping set priorities, and harness the momentum of existing work. The committee seeks to provide opportunities for cross-pollination of ideas and to increase collaboration around climate and sustainability efforts throughout San Juan County.

The Committee consists of 11 members who represent various sectors and perspectives on climate and sustainability issues, such as renewable energy, construction and green building, transportation, agriculture, economic development, and ecology. Meetings are bi-monthly on the fourth Thursday of the month, in the evening. The new members will be expected to attend meetings and participate in the Committee’s activities and projects.

Interested applicants should complete the application on the County’s website at: https://www.sanjuanco.com/DocumentCenter/View/1684/Citizen-Advisory-Committee-Application-PDF?bidId= Applications, as well as any questions about applying, should be submitted to Aiden Haines at aidenh@sanjuancountywa.gov

San Juan County has committed to reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from community sources and municipal operations to reduce the county’s carbon footprint. As a baseline step in this process, the County has completed a greenhouse gas inventory for the community and County operations. The Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory Report is now available to view. Registered users on the Engage site may ask questions and learn more about climate action work.

The Department of Environmental Stewardship engaged Cascadia Consulting to complete the inventory, and 2019 was chosen as the baseline year to avoid skewed results from the pandemic. The Climate and Sustainability Advisory Committee gave feedback during the development of the inventory and reviewed the final report before recommending the County Council advance it to the public. The completed report includes inventories of geographic countywide emissions (emissions produced within San Juan County), consumption-based emissions (the carbon footprint for County households, which can include emissions inside or outside of the County), and the emissions associated with County government operations. This work serves as a starting point for the County to pursue climate action efforts that will target the most significant emission sources and reduce San Juan County’s overall contribution to climate change.

Key Findings
The results of the communitywide inventory indicate that San Juan County’s residents, businesses, and visitors produced an estimated 177,830 MTCO2e (metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent) in 2019. The three largest sources of communitywide emissions were identified as Transportation (64%), Land Use (16%), and Building Energy (9%). The emissions associated with county household consumption reported in the consumption-based inventory totaled 308,000 MTCO2e, nearly double the geographic countywide emissions. Transportation (36%), services (23%), and food (21%) were the top categories in the consumption-based inventory. County operations produced an estimated 17,419 MTCO2e, equivalent to approximately 10% of communitywide emissions, with Tree Loss (94.5%) and Transportation (4.5%) as the largest emission sources.

While the report provides a baseline for emissions in the Islands, County staff and the Climate and Sustainability Advisory Committee have recognized the need for further refinement and clarification around the nuances that form the bigger picture.

Forest Management and Wildfire Risk
The committee notes that one of the most severe climate risks San Juan County faces is the risk of wildfire, exacerbated by forests overstocked with small trees. Actively managing forest lands includes forest thinning, which releases carbon, but it also provides an important ecosystem health and resilience benefit. By thinning forests of potential wildfire fuel, the County is mitigating the intensity of a future wildfire and increasing overall forest health. Accordingly, one of the biggest climate adaptation tasks the county faces is thinning our forests or otherwise managing forests for fire risk, even if doing so results in higher carbon emissions in the short or medium term, since wildfire is such a highly emitting event.

It’s also important to note that tree loss does not account for sequestration benefits, which far offset loss; the report shows an estimated 420,000 MTCO2e sequestered by our tree canopy in contrast to the 23,000 MTCO2e of emissions from tree loss. Enhancing forest health ensures forests continue to be a valuable carbon sink well into the future.

Transportation
Looking further into the breakdown of transportation-related emissions, maritime emissions emerged as our biggest sources in the County, with ferries responsible for 54% and recreational boats an estimated 46%. Due to a lack of data from marinas, the consultants utilized the EPA MOVES model; while there was a good confidence level in this estimate, there is opportunity for further refinement of this metric in the future. While ferries are regulated at the State level, this highlights the opportunity and necessity to address the impacts of recreational boating locally.

Additionally, on-road vehicles represented 18% of emissions in this category. It’s worth noting that better metrics to further refine visitor vehicle numbers and vehicle miles traveled are being pursued through our continued work in climate action as well as in the Destination Management Plan.

Wood burning
In the Building Energy category, wood burning for heat is noted as just .3% of total emissions. This number refers to anthropogenic emissions: the emissions of methane and nitrous oxide from human production. The combustion of wood additionally releases biogenic emissions: the carbon contained in wood that would have been released naturally over time into the atmosphere without human intervention. The biogenic emissions are much greater at 18.7%, and both anthropogenic and biogenic must be considered to capture the full magnitude of wood burning for heat, which places it as a top emission source for San Juan County and therefore another important area of focus.

Next Steps
The County will use the information in this report to help set goals and policies for climate resilience and greenhouse gas emissions reduction. Climate Planning Grant funding from Washington’s Department of Commerce will be applied to develop this work in coordination with the new climate element requirements for San Juan County’s Comprehensive Plan.

The Greenhouse Gas Inventory (also known as the Baseline Climate Assessment) work has begun! Environmental Stewardship staff met with consultants from Cascadia Consulting to kick off the process earlier this week.

Cascadia will prepare the following to set the stage for developing high-impact Climate Action Plan (CAP) and serve as the key indicator for monitoring and assessing progress over time:

• Communitywide geographic GHG inventory

• Communitywide consumption-based GHG inventory

• County government operations GHG inventory

The draft report is expected to be delivered by May/June 2023.

Staff from the Department of Environmental Stewardship presented an update to the County Council today on the advancement of the Climate & Sustainability program's climate action work. They discussed why San Juan County needs a Climate Action Plan and highlighted key objectives, partners, departments and parallel planning processes.

The presentation discussed the recommendation of the Climate and Sustainability Advisory Committee to pursue a Baseline Climate Assessment as the next step and requested funding from Council to carry it out, which Council agreed to. You can view the presentation slides here.