Climate Change Strategy
1) Port Resilience — Climate Change Adaptation
2) Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction — Mitigation of Climate Change
There are 16 action categories that are specifically tailored to address climate change as it relates to the Port of Everett. This strategy will be reviewed and updated annually, or as new information is available. This version of the CCS was set forth in 2020 and is detailed below.
Port Resilience
Climate Change Adaptation
The Port is making efforts to adapt to a changing climate. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) defines adaptation as: "the process of adjustment to actual or expected climate and its effects. In human systems, adaptation seeks to moderate or avoid harm or exploit beneficial opportunities."
Regulatory Compliance & Engagement
Continue to track and comply with all current rules and regulations
Plan for Sea Level Rise
Implement into Port’s development and long-term management of facilities and properties
Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment
Conduct in coordination with other owners and operators of other waterfront facilities
Plan for Increased Sedimentation
Assess the Snohomish River navigation channel, marinas and terminal berth areas
Waterfront Resilience Communication Coordination
Coordinate with the Everett waterfront users to ensure awareness of climate change risks and adaptation considerations
Business Risk Awareness & Planning
Build an economy that is resilient to the physical, regulatory, and economic effects of a changing climate
Resilient Economy
Factor in climate resilience when recruiting businesses to Port properties
Adaptation Funding
Assist with adaptation, and integrate measures into infrastructure grant proposals
Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction
Mitigation of Climate Change
The Port is making efforts to participate in the global effort to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions with the goal of reducing the effects of climate change. According to the IPCC, "Mitigation is a human intervention to reduce the sources or enhance the sinks of greenhouse gases."
Regulatory Compliance & Engagement
Continue to track and comply with all current rules and regulations
Air Emissions Study (PSMAEI)
Continue to participate in the Puget Sound Maritime Air Emissions Inventory (PSMAEI)
Green Purchasing
Strive to acquire appropriate vehicle technology with the lowest GHG emissions as financially feasible
Leverage Actions of Partners
Strive to communicate with partners on a coordinated effort to reduce GHG emissions (e.g., cargo ships, PUD, City of Everett, etc.)
Commute Trip Reduction
Encourage employees to find alternatives to driving alone to work, and offers remote working options as appropriate
Mixed-Use Development
Continue development of the Waterfront Place Central mixed-use development
Wetland Carbon Sinks
Continue efforts to protect and create carbon sinks on Port properties (e.g., Blue Heron Slough, Union Slough, Bay Wood Shoreline, etc.)
Mitigation Funding
Assist with GHG mitigation planning and implementation efforts