Contact:
Meghan Jordan
Communication Specialist III
Meghan.Jordan@snoco.org
425-312-0564
Snohomish County Releases Communitywide Geographic Greenhouse Gas Emissions Report
The report helps better understand the county’s total GHG emissions and track progress towards meeting the 2030 reduction targets.
EVERETT, Wash., January 27, 2023 – To avoid the most serious effects of climate change, all levels of government and the community are working to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, the primary cause of climate change. Snohomish County partnered with King County to compile regional emissions data and published the Snohomish County Communitywide Geographic Greenhouse Gas Emissions Report. This report provides a comprehensive review of GHG emissions produced within the geographical boundaries of Snohomish County through 2019. By working together, government agencies across the Puget Sound region now have a clear picture of the GHG emissions and sources, a fundamental step toward meeting our emission reduction targets.
“It is only through regional cooperation that we will be able to address the twin challenges of adapting to climate change and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Doing nothing is not an option, or our economy, environment, and quality of life will suffer.” Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers said. “We will continue to prioritize projects that have the greatest impacts and prioritize our most vulnerable communities, including restoring habitat, achieving net zero emissions, and preparing for wildfires and other expected impacts of climate change.”
Report findings:
- Total GHG emissions in 2019 increased seven percent compared to 2015, the last inventory year.
- Per-capita GHG emissions declined one percent compared to 2015, despite an eight percent population growth in the same period.
- The largest GHG emissions sources are transportation (45 percent), land use (23 percent), built environment (21 percent), refrigerants (6 percent) and waste and wastewater (5 percent).
The report examines actions by industries, governments, businesses, and individuals that will be needed to achieve the ambitious climate targets the region has committed to. Snohomish County aims to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases that contribute to climate change in accordance with the goals of the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency (50 percent below 1990 levels by 2030 and 80 percent below 1990 levels by 2050) and continue to prepare for climate change impacts. Snohomish County government is taking steps to contribute to these reductions that will be outlined in the forthcoming 2024 Comprehensive Plan that will include its first-ever Climate Change Element. The Climate Change Element will use data and findings from the GHG Emissions Report to inform the mitigation and resiliency sections. Current county programs that promote emissions reductions and carbon sequestration include the Healthy Forest Project, Land Conservation Initiative, Smith Island Restoration Project, Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy & Resiliency (C-PACER) program, Regional Open Space Conservation Plan, and more.
About Snohomish County Conservation and Natural Resources
The Snohomish County Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) includes the Division of Surface Water Management; the Division of Parks and Recreation; the Office of Energy and Sustainability and the Office of Agriculture. DCNR works in support of thriving communities; a clean and healthy environment to foster environmental stewardship; ensuring food security; supporting a green economy, and strengthening communities by providing regional parks and infrastructure; protecting the region's water, air, land and natural habitats; enhancing agriculture and recreation; and reducing flooding. https://snohomishcountywa.gov/5758.