Thurston County is experiencing effects of climate change, including hotter summers, wildfire smoke, deepening droughts, coastal flooding, and intensifying storms. These impacts are expected to worsen as global temperatures continue to rise. Solving climate change requires commitment and action by all sectors of society. Local governments play a vital role in helping to reduce emissions and protecting residents from climate impacts.

The Board of County Commissioners passed Resolution No. 15983 declaring a Climate Emergency in 2021. This resolution emphasizes that mitigating climate change requires immediate action and a long-term commitment.

Thurston Climate Mitigation Collaborative

Recognizing the power of a regional approach, Thurston County and the cities of Olympia, Tumwater, and Lacey have been working together since 2018 to develop the Thurston Climate Mitigation Plan in partnership with community members, youth climate activists, and grassroots advocacy organizations. The shared plan aims to reduce countywide greenhouse gas emissions 45% by 2030 and 85% by 2050 (from 2015 levels). It includes more than 70 actions to reduce emissions across five sectors: Buildings & Energy, Transportation & Land Use, Water & Waste, Agriculture & Forests, and Cross-Cutting.

In 2023, the County and three cities formalized the partnership as the Thurston Climate Mitigation Collaborative (TCMC). The TCMC provides a forum for the partners to learn, explore, coordinate, and communicate climate mitigation policies and practices. The TCMC works together on select regional initiatives while each city and the County continually advance multiple actions within their own jurisdictions.

Learn more about the TCMC and the Thurston Climate Mitigation Plan at the Collaborative Website:

www.ThurstonClimateCollaborative.org