Responding to climate change

The Washington Legislature has entrusted us to address the challenging and complex environmental issues affecting Washington. As the state's lead agency on climate change, we carry out policies that help slow the causes of climate change and support communities already impacted by its effects. We also lead implementation of the state's Integrated Climate Response Strategy in partnership with state agencies.

People icon. Click to go to Washington climate strategy

Washington's climate strategy

Implementing a carbon market

Tracking wildfire smoke

Protecting coastal communities

Planning for flood hazards

Monitoring ocean acidification

Responding to water supply needs

Adapting cleanup site strategies

Reducing food waste

The impacts of climate change

Scientists agree that the Earth has been getting warmer over the last century due to human activities that require burning fossil fuels (oil, gas, and coal).

Burning fossil fuels releases carbon dioxide. The carbon dioxide becomes trapped in the atmosphere (greenhouse gases) and increases the planet's temperature. As the Earth's climate continues to warm the results can have big impacts on the environment.

Tracking greenhouse gases

As the climate changes and temperatures climb, Washington faces serious impacts to its snowpack, infrastructure, and water supplies. Protecting our state's fish, farms, and communities from the impacts of climate change is a priority for us. We're tracking greenhouse gases and implementing policies that reduce these harmful pollutants. Learn more about the state's emissions by reading our emissions inventory reports and tracking maps.

Graph showing greenhouse gases lowering over time.

Greenhouse gas limits

The Washington Legislature set greenhouse gas emission limits to combat climate change. The state is required to reduce emissions levels by:

2020 - reduce to 1990 levels.
2030 - 45% below 1990 levels.
2040 - 70% below 1990 levels.
2050 - 95% below 1990 levels and achieve net zero emissions.

Were you able to find what you were looking for today?*:	Yes No Not sure
What were you trying to find?*:
Please describe your experience. What was challenging? What was helpful? *:	Please include details that will help us address any issues you're reporting. NOTE: There is a 1,500 character limit (including spaces) on this form field.
Was the search tool helpful to you? *:	Yes No I didn't use Search.
How can we improve our website?:	Optional. If you have suggestions, we'd like to hear them! NOTE: There is a 1,500 character limit (including spaces) on this form field.
Your name:	Please include contact information if you'd like a reply.
Email:	If you’d like a reply, please provide an email address.
Phone number:	( ) - Second three digits Last four digits If you’d like us to call you, please provide a phone number.
Which best describes your role in visiting our site today?*:	Business / Consultant / Contractor Government - Local Government - State Government - Federal Government - Tribal Scientist / Researcher Non-profit Washington resident / Public Educator Student Job seeker Ecology employee
PleaseLeaveBlank:	Are you a robot? If not, please do not enter anything in this field.
	ignore
	ignore

Responding to climate change

The impacts of climate change

Tracking greenhouse gases

Greenhouse gas limits

Contact information