The impact of climate change
The effects of climate change have serious implications for Oregon's economy
and environment. Our winters are becoming milder, our summers hotter. Snow packs
are shrinking and unseasonably warm temperatures are leading to rapid spring
melts depleting Oregon’s supply of summer water for agriculture and stream flows
for wildlife. Storms and forest fires are becoming more severe while the risk of
coastal flooding is increasing.
What's causing climate change?
There is strong scientific evidence demonstrating that humans are
contributing to the rapid acceleration of global temperatures, primarily through
the burning of fossil fuels. Vehicles, power plants and industrial operations
emit gases which trap heat near the Earth's surface.
Annual emissions of carbon dioxide, one of the most significant greenhouse
gases, have increased nearly 80% between 1970 and 2004 and experts predict a
faster rate of global warming in the next 100 years than experienced in the last
What you can do
We can all answer the Oregon Challenge for Climate Change and do our part to support clean technologies, renewable energy, sustainable transportation, water conservation and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. Find out what you can do to Make Every Day Earth Day.