Thurston County’s climate action plan is almost ready. Are we ready to implement it?

To mitigate — to “lessen the severity of (a climate)” — Oxford English Dictionary.

We all are concerned about dealing with climate change. A decided majority of us, regardless of politics, agree that we should do more: Exactly what should we be doing?

Fortunately, the four major jurisdictions (Thurston County, and the cities of Lacey, Tumwater, and Olympia) are working on this problem. Together, they have agreed on safer, but stringent, limits on greenhouse gas emissions. Now the Thurston Regional Planning Council is finishing a plan to mitigate the climate problem. The cost of developing the plan is funded by the jurisdictions involved. Portland and other communities have similar plans.

Public input was collected during 2019. Consultants and citizens are now meeting to scrutinize and prioritize hundreds of doable actions. Despite COVID-19, there will be more public planning meetings, using ZOOM if necessary. These meetings include some public comment. Agendas, schedules are available at www.trpc.org/climate. Recordings of some prior meetings are available by request.

Another source of information is Thurston Climate Action Team, a local non-profit educational organization. TCAT has followed the plan’s progress and is helping to educate us all.

After the draft plan is finalized, there will be a series of public events this summer (probably web-based because of COVID-19) to gather comment. In the fall, the cities and the county may choose to adopt all or part of the plan. It will provide very specific opportunities for local action by government, individuals, and businesses. This is where you come in.

I spoke with Allison Osterberg, the senior planner for the project. The plan will include a prioritized list of opportunities all selected to help mitigate climate change. Our local governments may choose to change building codes or improve infrastructure, transportation and housing. Incentive programs will help “nudge” us all in the right direction. Businesses and industries will have opportunities and incentives to modify practices, seek suitable suppliers, and participate in local food sourcing and improved forestry practices.

We all will need to be involved in implementing ideas in the plan after it is adopted.

This plan is important for the whole planet, but is designed for our county. It is focused on things we can actually do locally. Even if you are doubtful or skeptical, you can prepare yourself for the uncertain future. Ask: “How can this plan help me prepare for what’s coming?”

All actions in the plan will have an impact on the causes of climate change. Most will have other benefits as well, such as lower energy bills, less traffic congestion, improved public health, and economic opportunity. The changes we will make as a community can mitigate the economic damage caused by COVID-19.

This plan will neither approve nor implement itself. Our leadership will benefit if you support them: learn and speak up. This is the time to start emailing your local elected officials to tell them how important it is to you. Thurston Climate Action Team is ready to collect thousands of signatures and pledges of support on its website.

This plan must not languish on the shelf because of COVID-19. The epidemic has taught us to think ahead. We will reap the benefits of our mitigation plan only if we consult it and use it. The ideas in the plan already influence decision makers. Let your city and county representatives know you want them to follow through by adopting and implementing the Thurston Climate Mitigation Plan.

This story was originally published May 8, 2020 at 5:45 AM.