FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Oct. 13, 2015

MEDIA CONTACTS

Gwen Schuler, Media and Communications, gschuler@cityoftacoma.org, (253) 591-5160

Stacy Ellifritt, Media and Communications, stacy.ellifritt@cityoftacoma.org, (253) 591-2005

Climate Conversations Series to Highlight Vulnerability and Opportunity

This autumn, The City of Tacoma’s Office of Environmental Policy and Sustainability will host a free three-part series detailing Tacoma’s climate risks and what we can do to reduce our climate pollution and improve our local environment while preparing for change.

“Cities like Tacoma are leading the way toward environmental sustainability,” said Tacoma Council Member Ryan Mello. “I’m excited about the conversations we will have on these significant issues and eager to hear what steps our community can take together.”

The series will bring regional experts together with residents and decision-makers to discuss potential responses to the changing climate. The meetings coincide with the scheduled release of two new City documents: a Climate Change Risk Assessment and a Five-year Environmental Action Plan.

• Climate Change Risks – global to local
  Oct. 19, from 6:30-8 p.m. at University of Washington Tacoma, Jane Russell Commons in the William W. Phillip Hall (1918 Pacific Ave.)
  The University of Washington’s internationally recognized interdisciplinary Climate Impacts Group will present the latest science about global climate changes and the expected impacts for Tacoma and the South Sound.

• Climate Policy and Pricing—global to local
  Nov. 16, from 6:30-8 p.m. at University of Puget Sound, Wheelock Student Center Rotunda (1500 N. Warner St.)
  This meeting, moderated by the Sightline Institute, will focus on climate policy and pricing at the state, national, and international levels, featuring speakers from Climate Solutions, Carbon WA, and the Washington State Governor’s Office.

• Climate Policy and Environmental Action in Tacoma Dec. 7, from 6-7:30 p.m. at Evergreen State College Tacoma Campus (1210 6th Ave.)
  Participants will hear from local leaders and elected officials about Tacoma’s environmental goals and help prioritize potential actions for municipal operations and the broader community.

For more information and to RSVP, visit cityoftacoma.org/climateconversations.

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