Washington State isn't waiting to see what happens with climate change. We're helping lead the way. We're reducing emissions, preparing for impacts, and growing a clean energy economy. We're working now to create a cleaner, more sustainable Washington.

Washington State is addressing climate change because its impacts go far beyond a change in the weather. Climate shapes everything — ecosystems, crops, water, economy, lifestyles, health — so even small changes can have big impacts. A few degrees in temperature may not feel like much, but it can make the difference between rain and snow, early snowmelt or late, flowing summer streams or dry creek beds.

Our state is vulnerable to a warming climate, especially our snow-fed water supplies and nearly 40 communities along our 2,300 miles of shoreline that are threatened by rising sea levels.

But we have some unique opportunities, too. Because we rely heavily on hydropower, power generation is not as significant a source of “greenhouse gas” emissions as in other states. In Washington, 45 percent of greenhouse gas emissions come from cars, trucks, planes, and ships. This means individuals can help reduce these emissions, which are associated with warming.

Washington has already taken steps toward reducing emissions and building a clean energy economy. We don't have to start from square one. We can use what we've learned to do more. It's clear that Washington's climate is changing. It's also clear that we can help shape how changes in climate change Washington — for us today, for our children, and for future generations.

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