Global Warming Solutions

OEC believes that Oregon can demonstrate leadership by taking the steps necessary to curb global warming pollution and adopt solutions that will stimulate state growth in a new energy economy.

Why we care

Scientists have concluded that our region is warming, average annual  precipitation has increased, land on the central and northern Oregon coast is being submerged by rising sea level and the region’s snow pack has declined precipitously.

• A 2004 Scientific Consensus Statement indicates these trends will continue. Changes in the hydrological system will result in coastal and river flooding, continued snow pack declines and lowers summer river flows.
• Oregon will see an increase in unhealthy air days, as hotter summertime temperatures generate more smog.  A longer pollen season will make life more uncomfortable for people with asthma and allergies, and cases of insect-born diseases, such as encephalitis, will increase.
• Drier summers will lead to drought stress and vulnerability of forests to fire disease and insects.

• The effects of global warming on agriculture will include reduced water supply, changed growing seasons and conditions that may require different crops, and increased pests and diseases.
• The economic consequences of global warming cannot be ignored. Agriculture and forestry will be dramatically disrupted.  Loss of hydroelectric power will impact energy costs.  Oregon’s ski industry could disappear.

What we do

Global warming is caused by greenhouse gas emissions released by power plants, cars and trucks, and other industrial sources. Curbing the emissions from these sources will require action on many levels, from individuals to communities and from states to countries, as well from businesses and local governments. OEC recognizes the importance of engaging Oregonians from many backgrounds and we have developed our program work to encompass both advocacy for global warming policy at the state and regional levels, and solutions that smaller businesses and individuals can easily employ.

Positioning Oregon to Lead on Global Warming Solutions

OEC has a strong presence in Salem and for many years we have contributed to the successful passage of global warming measures, including the adoption by the Environmental Quality Commission of Tailpipe Emissions Standards in 2006 and in 2007, the passage of the Climate Change Integration Act which codified the state’s greenhouse gas reduction goals and instituted the Oregon Global Warming Advisory Commission, a permanent body on which our Executive Director, Andrea Durbin, now serves.

We are currently advocating for strong, comprehensive global warming policy that addresses emissions from the major sectors in Oregon’s economy—transportation, land use, energy and natural resources.  A major focus for our work is Oregon’s role in the Western Climate Initiative (WCI), a joint agreement by seven U.S. Western states and three Canadian provinces to implement a regional market-based mechanism (also known as a carbon cap and trade system) to reduce regional greenhouse gas emissions.  Our goals are tri-fold:

1. To ensure that the carbon cap is comprehensive and covers all major global warming sectors to guarantee effectiveness and fairness.
2. To ensure that revenue generated by the carbon market benefits the public by providing assistance to low-income consumers, funding energy- efficiency programs, renewable energy research and development and natural resource protection programs.
3. To ensure that additional carbon reduction strategies are deployed to complement and increase the effectiveness of regional and state programs.

Mobilizing Oregonians on Global Warming

For the last year, OEC has partnered with Secretary of State Bill Bradbury to bring Vice President Al Gore’s slideshow, An Inconvenient Truth to audiences around the state.  With a focus on Oregon-related global warming impacts, our work has reached thousands of Oregonians, including hunters and anglers, faith-based communities, schools, unions and local governments.  At each presentation, participants are encouraged to sign up for the Climate Coolers network, which now includes over 2,000 individuals, and provides easy steps to take that reduce our carbon footprints.

Cool Oregon

OEC runs Cool Oregon, a broad coalition made up of business leaders, local governments and other influential Oregonians who are committed to ensuring Oregon’s success in meeting the state greenhouse gas reduction goals. The coalition provides a forum for members to demonstrate political resolve to make progress on climate change action and support ongoing local and state efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

How You Can Get Involved

Find out right now what you can do to slow global warming – at home, when shopping, at school and work, and when you’re on the go. Lend your voice to the growing chorus of those who are demanding corporate and government action by signing up for Oregon Environmental Council Action Alerts. If you represent a business or organization, join Cool Oregon, a coalition that supports the goal of reducing Oregon’s greenhouse gas emissions to 75% below 1990 levels by 2050.