During a recent government meeting, Thurston County officials discussed the ongoing update to the county's comprehensive plan, focusing specifically on the newly mandated climate element. Amelia Schwartz, an associate planner, outlined the comprehensive plan's purpose, which is to guide development in the county over the next 20 years, culminating in a final update due by December 31, 2025.

The climate element, a requirement from the state, emphasizes two main areas: resilience and greenhouse gas emissions. Schwartz explained that resilience policies aim to enhance environmental justice and adapt to climate change impacts, while greenhouse gas emission reduction policies focus on measuring and decreasing local emissions, particularly from transportation and energy use in buildings.

Key sectors identified for resilience include public health, ecosystems, infrastructure, and economic development, all of which face risks from climate-related events such as flooding and wildfires. The county is currently collaborating with the University of Washington Climate Center to analyze greenhouse gas emissions, with transportation identified as the largest source.

The planning process is currently at the halfway mark, with public hearings anticipated in January 2025. A draft of the climate element is available for public review, and officials encourage community engagement through comments and feedback via their website. The next draft is expected to be released in the coming weeks, incorporating public input and aiming for a comprehensive approach to address climate challenges in Thurston County.