Thurston Climate Action Team (TCAT)

Did you know that most houses and apartments in Thurston County are inefficient, heated with fossil fuels, and lack cooling during the summer? This negatively impacts our health, our environment, and our pocketbooks. Low-income families are especially vulnerable to climate extremes and pay a much higher proportion of their income on energy.

With your help, Thurston Climate Action Team (TCAT) is working to change that. TCAT was founded in 2009 to address climate change and its impact on the people and communities of Thurston County. We were instrumental in getting the county and cities of Olympia, Lacey, and Tumwater to adopt the Thurston Climate Mitigation Plan. Now we are working to meet the goals of cutting carbon emissions 45% by the year 2030, and 85% by 2050. Currently emissions are still on the rise. Here are just some of the ways your support of TCAT fights the climate crisis:

• Partnering with overburdened communities to combat the unequal negative effects of climate change. Low-income and BIPOC communities are hardest hit by the climate crisis and are often the least heard! We are training communities about the comprehensive planning process and helping them find pathways to communicate their needs and find solutions.
• Educating and preparing citizens of Thurston County to protect them from the dangers of extreme heat events. TCAT is developing educational materials and trainings, so people know the warning signs of heat stroke and learn how to stay safe. We are also working to start a pilot program to bring portable efficient heat pumps to low-income apartment dwellers. This will give them a safe space to live and sleep during hot and extreme weather events.
• Organizing citizens to advocate for change so we meet our goal of 45% reduction in CO2 emissions by 2030!
• Teaching businesses the economic and social benefits of electrification. Helping businesses understand how they can use tax breaks and incentives to reduce their carbon footprint, lower their energy consumption, and grow their business.

JOIN US! You can help make Thurston County cleaner, healthier, and more just for all its citizens -- now and in the future!