Frequently Asked Questions

Climate change refers to the long-term shift of the earth’s weather patterns caused by greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, which raise the earth’s surface temperature. GHG emissions may be the result of natural processes or human activity, but human activity has significantly increased the pace of emissions and climate change over the past several decades. 

Climate change will impact Washington County over the next century by increasing the average temperature, increasing the frequency of severe weather events, changing precipitation patterns, and numerous other effects that will impact community members and businesses.

A Climate Action Plan seeks to understand how the county currently contributes to climate change, as well as identify strategies to reduce future emissions and mitigate the impacts of climate change on both community members and county facilities. The Climate Action Plan will examine Washington County operations while also identifying ways the county can promote sustainable practices throughout the community and work with partners to advocate for sustainable policies at the city, state, and federal levels.

Washington County is committed to advancing sustainability and climate action across the county in a way that is both transformative and practical. In 2024, the county adopted a Countywide Strategic Plan to guide decision-making towards a shared mission, vision and values.

A Climate Action Plan (CAP) was one recommended next step for the county in achieving its sustainability goals through a thoughtful, data-driven approach that enhances the county’s environmental, economic, and social systems.

Washington County can take a direct role in some aspects of emissions reduction and climate resilience, but it has very little control over other aspects. For instance, the county can reduce emissions from county-owned buildings and purchase electric fleet vehicles. The county cannot directly influence the energy use or transportation choices of county residents in their own homes. However, it can take a role in promoting programs that encourage sustainability, provide resources to local communities, and advocate for changes at the city, state, and federal levels.

The Climate Action Plan will define the county’s role for each strategy: Lead, Partner, or Advocate.

The plan will include:

• A review of climate data and future projections to identify the potential impact of climate change on Washington County;
• A vulnerability assessment to understand which areas of the county and which populations are most susceptible to the impacts of climate change;
• A greenhouse gas (GHG) inventory to understand how economic sectors and specific activities are contributing to climate change;
• Setting short-and long-term goals to reduce GHG emissions and identifying strategies to meet those goals;
• Developing adaptation methods to mitigate the impacts of changing weather patterns;
• Developing final plan recommendations, including a work plan for implementation and a set of performance measures to help track progress.

The Climate Action Plan will identify a series of goals related to emissions reduction and climate mitigation and identify measures that the county can use to track its progress on meeting those goals. These goals and recommendations will connect with many ongoing county initiatives and programs, as well as identify the county’s role in a more comprehensive set of recommendations to combat climate change at the community level. The implementation work plan will identify specific action items as well as funding and staffing needs to help the county meet its goals.

The project webpage will be the primary source for Climate Action Plan information, including ways you can get involved. We will be collecting public input via online surveys, attending community events to talk with community members, and engaging with a Community Advisory Group and the County Board. You can also sign up for project updates, and we always welcome comments, ideas, and feedback via email. Learn more about how to get involved above under “Get Involved."