Summertime is magnificent in Seattle! The sun comes out, families and friends gather outside, and the beauty of our natural surroundings is often breathtaking. However, this summer, "breathtaking" took on a different meaning for us. Seattle's record-breaking streak of dry days combined with the choking smoke and haze of the British Columbia wildfires (still burning in fact) gave us a sobering glimpse of what climate change will likely bring to our region. While we remain steadfast in our efforts to reduce greenhouse gases and put the brakes on the worst climate impacts, the urgency to act continues to become clearer and clearer. Climate action work is more important than ever. Thank you for your continued partnership.
Jessica Finn Coven, Director
Office of Sustainability & Environment
KEY SUSTAINBILITY UPDATES
How We Are Preparing for Climate Change
Hotter days for longer periods, impacts to air quality, extreme flood events - these are just a few of the impacts we will experience due to climate change. While we are amplifying our efforts to reduce our climate pollution, we are also preparing for changes we will likely see in the near future. More info here.
Reducing Seattle's Transportation Pollution
While Seattle's clean, carbon free energy is critical in helping us manage our climate pollution, we still have a long way to go. Road transportation is responsible for two-thirds of Seattle's climate pollution. We are advancing innovative solutions to break our dependence on oil.
Read our latest update on the Drive Clean Seattle initiative.
Upgrading Vital Community Resources
OSE will be making energy efficiency upgrades to buildings that are home to 6 core community locations. Organizations getting upgrades are: South Park Neighborhood Center, Central Area Senior Center, Northwest Senior Center, Centerstone, Greenwood Senior Center, and Neighborcare at Columbia City. Learn more here.
Meet OSE's Newest Equity & Environment Team Members!
Shaunice Wilson and Diana Gil-Vargas have been working with OSE's Equity & Environment Initiative this summer to support our work with the Environmental Justice Committee and help us implement the environmental justice pilot project. More about them and their work is here.
The Office of Sustainability & Environment collaborates with a wide range of stakeholders to develop innovative environmental solutions that foster equitable, vibrant communities and shared prosperity.
