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On one of the hottest days of the year, more than 135 people gathered July 24 in Shoreline to learn about climate change.

The Council's latest Town Hall Meeting featured presentations on the local impacts of global warming and how King County is responding locally to this global challenge.

Presenters highlighted physical impacts, including reduced snow packs, lower river levels, and changing agricultural conditions. Economic impacts discussed included tens of millions of dollars of crop losses in the Yakima River Basin, a decline of the Eastern Washington wine industry, and a reduction in days available for the skiing industry.

Dr. Marcia Baker and Dr. Yoram Bauman present on the local physical and economic impacts of global warming.

Meeting as the Committee-of-the-Whole, members considered legislation to commit King County to join the Chicago Climate Exchange and reduce carbon emissions by 6 percent by 2010.

The Chicago Climate Exchange is North America's premier program for reducing greenhouse gas emissions through binding goals and the trading of so called "carbon credits."

The Council formally approved the legislation later in the day at the full Council meeting.

The Town Hall Meeting also featured briefings on the additional work being done at the County level to reduce carbon emissions. Audience members had the opportunity to question presenters and panelists.

Featrued speakers included:

• Marcia Baker, Ph. D., Professor Emerita, Atmospheric Sciences and Earth and Space Sciences, University of Washington

• Yoram Bauman, Ph. D., Adjunct Professor, Program on the Environment, University of Washington

• Patrick Mazza, Research Director, Climate Solutions

• Kurt Triplett, Chief of Staff, King County Executive Office

Have a question or a comment? Email CouncilTownHall@metrokc.gov or call 206-296-0335.

Councilmembers are briefed on the local impacts of global warming. The Council later approved legislation to reduce the county government's greenhouse gas emissions by 6 percent by 2010.