We Must Act Collectively
From heat waves to forest fires to flooding to drought, we are already experiencing the climate crisis here in Washington. It is imperative that we move collectively, proactively, and equitably to mitigate more change, while also adapting our communities for a rapidly changing world.
Climate change is a complex problem with no singular solution—it requires creativity, out-of-the-box thinking, silo-busting, and effort that meets the level of the crisis before us.
The climate crisis is exacerbating disparities within our communities and is impacting already fragile ecosystems. The scope of the crisis requires all hands on deck, and we must act collectively.
Our Climate Goals
...and we aim to achieve these goals by:
• Identifying our niche and tailoring our approaches to have the greatest impact
• Building capacity by using our positionality, access to resources, and influence
• Integrating climate and equity throughout our programs and approaches to our work
Our climate goals aim to...
• Significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) as quickly and equitably as possible
• Increase resilience of our ecosystems and communities
• Prioritize equity and those that are disproportionately impacted
Climate action cannot fall into in either/or choices, such as mitigation or adaptation, quick action or equitable action. We can and must do both.
How We’re Engaging in Climate Action
Approaches
When it comes to how we approach climate action, we’re focusing on three areas—mitigation (the interruption or reduction of climate change-driving factors), adaptation (helping ecosystems and communities plan ahead and change), and community resilience (working with communities to support them in a changing climate).
ADAPTATION
The climate crisis is already here, meaning we must help ecosystems and communities adapt to the changing climate. We’re currently evolving our LAND MANAGEMENT PRACTICES and planning ahead for a changing climate.
Mitigation
NATURAL CLIMATE SOLUTIONS (NCS) harness nature’s power to breathe, filter and store carbon dioxide. Here in Washington, our own science has helped identify how NCS can be leveraged across the state to support net-zero goals.
COMMUNITY RESILIENCE
By working with communities to understand their needs and the threats that climate change poses for them, we seek to help them better prepare for, withstand, and rebound from climate-related events. Recent resilience-focused projects include PRESCRIBED FIRE (TREX), support of GREENING RESEARCH IN TACOMA, and FLOODPLAINS BY DESIGN.
Our Climate Program Leads
Women in Climate Science
More Ways We’re Engaging in Climate Action
Photo credits: banner photo, NASA’s Earth Observatory; illustration, Erica Sloniker; trees photo, Wasim Muklashy TNC Photo Contest 2019; Washington Capitol photo, Hannah Letinich; coalitions & partnerships icon, Scheme by 23 icons from NounProject.com; J. Stroble photo, Tiffany Choe; K. Chaffee-Ellis photo, M. Wood; icon, Group by mikicon from NounProject.com; Dr. Ettinger photo, Hannah Letinich; Dr. Howe photo, Hannah Letinich; Dr. Moore photo, Courtney Baxter / TNC; photo,; NCS photo, Peter Dunwiddie / TNC; Olympia’s downtown photo, Carolyn Skye; Emerald Edge photo, Bryan Evans; mangroves in Seychelles photo, Roshni Lodhia.