Climate Change is Real – So Is the Movement for Progress
It’s a pivotal time to work on climate issues. NASA just released a reportconfirming 2014 as the hottest year on Earth since 1880. The US Senate (with a Republican majority nonetheless) agreed that climate change is real, “not a hoax.” Mainstream media regularly reports on the subject. “Climate change” is no longer considered an environmentalist’s phrase – it’s part of our everyday lexicon.
Locally, we see and feel its effects. Mt. Hood’s snowpack is at an all-time low – in fact, 20 sites around western Oregon have reported record low snowpack for the end of January. Less snow means less snowmelt runoff for our rivers and streams, a drier Oregon summer, and a longer wildfire season. We experience less distinctive Oregon drizzle, and more extreme downpours.
As evidence of the detrimental effects of climate change mounts, so does the sentiment that at long last we need to act. Yet alongside that sentiment is a feeling of being overwhelmed, of not knowing where to begin or how best to effectively combat climate change on a local, state, regional, national and planetary scale. It’s easy to feel a bit dazed looking at the evidence, and to worry that nothing we do will make a difference. But that simply isn’t true. In my first month as the Oregon Environmental Council’s new Climate Campaign Communications & Outreach Manager, I have been made privy to a world of exciting, inspiring and smart conversations about climate. There is a movement building. There are so many reasons to feel hopeful.
In the span of a mere four weeks, I have seen members of our labor community united with the environmental community to strategize on green job creation. I’ve conducted outreach alongside members of the faith community, working from a shared moral imperative to protect the planet that God has bestowed upon us and placed in our care. I’m organizing outreach with elders who approached us with a heartfelt desire to become more deeply engaged in climate work, fueled by the belief that they must create a better world for future generations, and based on the successes their generation was able to foster in decades past. And I have worked with the climate community to champion each other’s priorities – from the Clean Fuels Program, to Coal to Clean, to a transportation package making mass transmit more accessible and equitable.
There is a vibrant, engaged citizenry working on climate issues. While some may err to argue Oregon’s miniscule role in influencing climate progress, the fact is that Oregon has a history of pioneering environmental changes that have become national in scope. OEC has helped lead this charge. If you look at any “green” idea that put Oregon on the map, from the Bottle Bill, to landmark land-use planning laws, to curbside recycling, you’ll find that OEC was integrally involved, if not the driving force, behind these critical milestone protections.
Today, Oregon’s Advanced Clean Trucks (ACT) rule was delayed by two years. Predictably, oil and gas interests orchestrated a multi-state campaign to derail similar policies in other states. Their successful attacks now include Oregon’s ACT rules.
Lawmakers are finalizing the state budget for the next two years. Now is the time to speak up for a strong Climate Justice Budget that protects the environment, uplifts communities, lowers energy bills, and creates clean energy jobs across the state. Use the form below to email your state legislators and urge them to invest in proven programs that deliver for Oregonians.
Sometimes big-impact solutions to the climate crisis can feel beyond our control – other times they’re right within reach, like upgrading our homes and buildings. This Q&A with Brad Reed, Director of Building Resilience, highlights how we can transform our homes and communities into climate-resilient havens. From heat pumps to insulation, Brad explains how basic upgrades can protect our health and our communities, while also saving money on
Oregon just scored a major environmental victory! In a unanimous vote, the Environmental Quality Commission (ECQ) adopted the newly revised Climate Protection Program, reinstating the landmark policy at a time when climate action is critical. This marks the most significant climate action taken in the wake of the federal election. Now, Oregon’s most influential climate policy is back on the bo
As we eagerly await the release of the final rules for Oregon’s Climate Protection Program (CPP), OEC and our partners in the Coalition for Climate and Economic Justice extend a sincere “Thank YOU” to everyone who took the time to submit public comments to help restore this vital program.
Together, we’ve taken critical, local action in the glo
The Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) just released draft rules to restore Oregon’s cornerstone Climate Protection Program (CPP), kicking off a short public comment period. Help us restore the CPP and hold polluters accountable!
QUICK LINKS TO TAKE ACTION:
-> Send this Letter to DEQ to Restore the C
Dear fellow friends of Oregon,My name is Sam Pape. Nice to meet you! I’m the new Communications and Marketing Coordinator at OEC. I started in an interim role back in February, and was thrilled to recently accept a permanent, full-time position. In other words: I’m here to stay!
Gazing at the downtown skyline of Portland? Rushing through PDX to catch a flight? Lost in the Silicon Forest? You probably aren’t thinking about how to reduce climate emissions. But Oregon’s large office, high-tech and public buildings are one of Oregon’s best opportunities to meet our climate goals by addressing our second largest source of greenhouse gas emissions.That’s because the overall “carbon footprint” of
1 Reply to "Climate Change is Real – So Is the Movement for Progress"
Margaret Smith
February 4, 2015 (11:40 pm)
Very well said. What people don’t talk about is the reality that our species may not survive. If left unchecked, climate change will eventually make it unbearable to be outdoors and humans will be forced to live inside or underground until finally we will no longer be here…but the Earth will probably keep spinning along without us.
Margaret Smith
February 4, 2015 (11:40 pm)
Very well said. What people don’t talk about is the reality that our species may not survive. If left unchecked, climate change will eventually make it unbearable to be outdoors and humans will be forced to live inside or underground until finally we will no longer be here…but the Earth will probably keep spinning along without us.