Answering the Oregon Challenge: Climate Change

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 10,000 years.

Read More About the Science of Climate Change

Visit the Oregon Climate Change Research Institute National Association of Clean Air Agencies Primer on Climate Change Science PDF (3.6MB) View the latest reports and research materials from the National Academy of Sciences Visit the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) National Climactic Data Center for State of the Climate reports, data, monitoring and more.

Taking Action for Oregon

Oregon doesn't have to keep doing business as usual. Together we can lead the way along with other states to be a part of the solution. Oregon DEQ is meeting the challenge of climate change head-on and participating in statewide efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, prepare for impacts and help nurture a cleaner, more sustainable Oregon.

Consumption-based Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory for Oregon Greenhouse Gas Reporting for Oregon Businesses Climate Change Information Series Oregon Low Emission Vehicles Oregon Clean Fuels

Materials, Waste and Global Warming Green remediation Oregon Global Warming Commission Protecting Oregon Groundwater Protecting Oregon's Rivers, Lakes and Streams

What You Can Do

• Calculate your carbon footprint

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.

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