Combating climate change requires an integrated, regional response that expands the shared vision and leadership of the region’s public, private, and civic sectors, and the participation of all King County community members. Building on work in the 2020 SCAP, King County has continued growing effective partnerships for joint action on climate change.
As communities continue to feel the impacts at an accelerated pace, local government must continue to deepen engagement and capacity building with governmental staff and with frontline community members and youth. Increasing understanding of how historical and current inequities can result in patterns of unfair outcomes, how climate change worsens these conditions, and what government and the public can do to increase community resilience requires focused effort.
By continuing to drive climate and equity education and engagement, King County can create connections across departments and communities for broader, integrated support and engagement on climate action.
What's at stake
County staff cannot anticipate all the barriers frontline communities face in community engagement processes. These communities disproportionately bear the burdens of redlining, historical marginalization, environmental injustice, and institutional racism. Adults and youth in these communities who see and feel the impacts of climate change most acutely are often unable to access the foundational knowledge of climate change, the impacts they should expect, and how they can engage.
At this moment in the region’s readiness for action, access to accurate, science-based, and in-language climate education that also provides historical context for current conditions is critical to cross-sector collaborations that do not leave any communities behind.
A better outcome
Improving access to climate change education creates public support and builds political and social capital for equitable and comprehensive solutions. It also grows the number of government and community champions and future leaders who can continue to advance a cleaner future.
What we've done to get here
- Developed award-winning climate and health messaging with and for community through multi-language comics, fliers, web materials, and other public health programs.
- Grew leadership capacity in frontline communities by developing an annual Climate Justice Learning Series for the public, featuring local climate justice champions.
- Launched monthly Climate Action Talks for County staff highlighting climate work across a wide array of topics, including preparedness, vehicle electrification, green careers, and community-led action.