Questions and Answers 

Absolutely. Virtually no one in the world-wide scientific community disputes that climate change is occurring. Most of the public ‘debate’ that occurs at this point is regarding who or what is causing average global temperatures to increase at an unusually rapid rate.

When scientists discuss climate change and global warming in particular they are looking at a world-wide trend. Yearly global temperatures have increased markedly during the industrial period. However, this doesn't mean that every day or every season is going to be hotter in Oregon. Our local climates may vary. In Oregon, though the winter was longer this past year, precipitation levels have fluctuated leading to decreased snowpack. A rapid springtime melt triggered by a few unseasonably warm days also contributed to decreased snow pack which will adversely affect summer time water flows.

What's important to realize about climate change is that a buildup of greenhouse gases could tip the balance for the earth's overall climate causing unpredictable results including rapid warming - or conversely a rapid cooling trend after a brief and unusual acceleration in global temperatures. Either way, Oregon needs to be prepared to mitigate the impacts of global climate change here at home.

The climate has certainly shifted between warmer periods and cooler periods throughout the earth’s history and some aspects of the current warming trend appear similar. However, there are many aspects of the current climate change that are unusual:

• Carbon Dioxide levels are higher than they have been in the last half-million years
• Carbon Dioxide levels have increased at an exceptionally fast rate
• Current global temperatures are warmer than they have ever been during at least the past five centuries, and likely for more than a millennium.

Scientists know with virtual certainty that the atmospheric buildup of Carbon Dioxide and other greenhouse gases is largely the result of human activities. Burning fossil fuels like gasoline or diesel in our vehicles and coal and natural gas for electricity and heat generation are the most prominent contributors. An exhaustive body of scientific research supports the claim that most of the warming of the past 50 years is attributable to human activities.

Regardless of what is causing this unusually rapid climate change it is crucial that Oregon prepare for the effects or the economic and environmental consequences could be devastating. Increased temperatures brought about by high concentrations of Carbon Dioxide in our atmosphere are already causing snow pack to shrink threatening summer water flows crucial to maintaining Oregon’s drinking water supply, water for agriculture and keeping stream levels adequate for fish and wildlife. Storms and fires are becoming more frequent and more severe and the risk of coastal flooding has increased.

Oregon simply can't afford to do nothing. According to recent report issued by the Governor's Climate Change Integration Group waiting to act is not a wise choice, as the costs of inaction in terms of disruptions to the economy far outweigh the costs of implementing mitigation, preparation, and adaptation. In addition, Oregon is uniquely suited to take advantage of economic development opportunities generated by a transition to a “low-carbon” economy.

• Learn more at the Oregon Department of Energy’s Climate Change Portal.

Oregon isn't taking action on climate change alone. Along with national and international efforts, Oregon has joined with several states and two provinces in Canada to form the Western Climate Initiative to find ways to work together to reduce greenhouse gases in the region.