Planning could take some of the sting out of climate change. That reason alone ought to be enough to drive Washington state in efforts to get ready for more of the global warming it already is experiencing.

A report on the impact of climate change on the state's economy found that some economic effects already are occurring, including increased costs for fighting wildfires and reduced winter sports opportunities. Bigger hits could be on the way.

The study, however, is far from universally bleak, with change also bringing economic opportunities. The report's authors point out reasonably well-known possibilities, such as spurring the growth of the Northwest's already promising alternative energy technology sector, and the surprising chance that the west side of the state could become a good spot for producing wine.

As the researchers in Washington and Oregon conclude in their study, "Due to its position in the U.S. and global economy, Washington's decision to prepare for the economic impacts of climate change will have multiple effects. The state has the opportunity to act to address the problem, protect Washington residents from harm and set an example of leadership."

The research project, done for the state's departments of ecology and economic development, provides much cause for concern. Even a modest rise in the sea level could increase costs for Seattle's sea wall and pose greater challenges in low-lying areas in south Puget Sound, particularly Tacoma and Olympia. Worse, the study says, "Catastrophic sea level rise is a real long-term risk that policymakers should take seriously."

With increasing attention to global warming everywhere, however, society may well make the changes needed to prevent the worst possibilities. So, it is wise to plan to be part of the solution and to live as well as possible with increasing temperatures likely in coming decades.

Even with the uncertainties of any kind of forecasting, looking ahead can be helpful. That's particularly true for as large a threat as global warming is.

On the Net: ecy.wa.gov/climatechange

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