Climate Resilience Planning and Action

The County has begun the development of a Climate Element, as part of the Comprehensive Plan update, and an accompanying Climate Action Plan (CAP) to address climate change and its far-reaching impacts. The Climate Element and CAP will provide a long-term vision, climate policies, and an implementation strategy for reducing GHG emissions and preparing our community for current and future climate impacts.

Check out the Updates section below
for up-to-date information on what we are working on!

The WA Department of Commerce climate planning grant is supported with funding from Washington’s Climate Commitment Act. The CCA supports Washington’s climate action efforts by putting cap-and-invest dollars to work reducing climate pollution, creating jobs, and improving public health. Information about the CCA is available at www.climate.wa.gov

Project History
In recognition of the serious threat climate change poses to our environment and community, San Juan County resolved to respond and adapt to climate change with Resolution 20-2020. Since 2020, the County has implemented actions following our 20-2020 resolution to address climate action. The Climate Progress Report outlines activities implemented between 2020-2021 by the County to deliver on our environmental stewardship.

In 2021, the County’s Climate & Sustainability Program was established to further mobilize the effort to foster a climate-resilient, regenerative community. Our current priority is the development of a comprehensive and effective Climate Action Plan that meets our community’s needs.

The Climate and Sustainability Advisory Committee was established by the San Juan County Council in early 2022 to ensure coordination and communication of actions across departments and to feed into existing County advisory committees and commissions. The committee advises on policy, helps set priorities, and harnesses the momentum of existing work to help steer the County’s climate action plan. The goal is to provide opportunities for cross-pollination of ideas and to increase collaboration around climate and sustainability efforts throughout San Juan County.