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King County takes action against global warming

New Climate Report shows King County is reducing greenhouse gas

King County government is delivering green job training opportunities and numerous county initiatives that are reducing greenhouse gas emissions, according to the county’s second annual Climate Report. The Climate Report shows that in 2007, King County reduced its carbon dioxide greenhouse gas emissions from its operations by more than 6 percent below year 2000 levels, as measured by the Chicago Climate Change (CCX), and well beyond the 1.5 percent reduction target set as part of the county’s membership in the CCX. Read more...

Ten steps to reduce greenhouse gases today

Kids rally in support of Global Warming actionGlobal warming is a challenge and an opportunity for each of us to show that we can change our habits and make a collective difference in reducing global greenhouse gas emissions.

Experts say American households can cut their greenhouse gas emissions, such as carbon dioxide, by about 25 percent in six months through a few simple steps. Some of them save you money, and others keep you healthy!

1. Know your “carbon footprint”

Your carbon footprint is the amount of greenhouse gases you produce, measured in units of carbon dioxide. Knowing which of your daily activities at home and work create greenhouse gas emissions is the first step to changing your habits. Bonneville Environmental Foundation provides a “carbon calculator” tailored to the Pacific Northwest.

2. Bus, bike or walk to your errands.

Transportation (driving alone in our cars!) is our biggest source of greenhouse gas emissions in Washington State. We know it’s hard to give up your car, but in the spring and summer, try a new way of getting there! King County Metro Transit offers information on bus routes and resources on bicycling in our region, including bike maps and a downtown BikeStation. If you have to use a car for a short trip, try car sharing with Flexcar's new fleet, in convenient areas near your home or workplace.

3. Change your commute times.

If you can work it out with your employer, change your commute time to avoid rush hour. Know your ideal commute time, through real-time traffic monitoring. Greenhouse gases are worst when you are in stop and go traffic.

Learn seven more...


National spotlight

Sims named to board of directors of ICLEI - Local Governments for Sustainability USA

  • King County's leadership in climate change mitigation and adaptation has resulted in Executive Ron Sims being named to the board of directors of ICLEI-Local Governments for Sustainability USA.  Learn more.

Governing Magazine spotlights King County for climate change adaptation work

Sims testifies at Senate Committee on the Environment and Public Works

Sims shares county's climate change actions with Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi pelosi

Sims honored with national Public Official of the Year Award

  • Governing Magazine's November 2006 issue profiled King County Executive Ron Sims for its national Public Official of the Year Award, saying Sims ‘produces better results than almost anyone in American local government.'. Learn more.

2008 Climate Report published by Executive Sims

On February 1, 2009, Executive Sims published King County's annual Climate Report. The report provides an update on the activities and accomplishments in 2008, indicates planned actions for 2009 and highlights some of King County's emerging issues in the areas of climate change mitigation and adaptation. View the reports:

2008 Annual Climate Report (PDF)

2007 Annual Climate Report (PDF)

How to Prepare for Climate Change: A Guidebook



Local, regional and state government leaders were given a new tool in September to help them plan for the impacts of climate change, such as an increased risk of drought and flooding, new diseases, and invasive species that are harmful to humans and the environment. King County, Washington, Executive Ron Sims introduced Preparing for Climate Change: A Guidebook for Local, Regional, and State Governments at the third annual Sundance Summit: A Mayors’ Gathering on Climate Protection, where more than 40 mayors met to discuss their local climate actions. Learn more...

King County Wastewater Treatment Division conducts analysis of sea level rise impacts

In July 2008, King County released a report about projected vulnerability of wastewater facilities to flooding from sea level rise.  View the report here.

New Shoreline recycling and transfer station embodies King County's green building push

Learn more about the transfer station and Sims' proposal of new sustainable building policies for all county projects.

Clean Vehicles NOW! Conference launches regional green fleet initiative

Clean Vehicles Now

Get informed

Questions?  Comments?  Concerns?  Send an email to global.warming@kingcounty.gov.