A recent article (“Report says climate change accelerating in California,” Los Angeles Times, Nov. 4) in The Columbian moved me with some honest and sobering news.
Oregon’s neighbor, California, is being strongly affected by the climate crisis. Weather extremes are intensifying. There is a direct effect on human lives as well as impacts to the ecosystem that affect how people live.
When faced with reports like this, it is important to find hope. The article points to the opportunity that California is creating, in the face of challenges, to enact countereffects to climate change. Actions that other states, and countries, can implement and expand on.
I moved to Oregon two years ago and have been proud that we are another leading state in strong climate actions. I share my hope and support with my Oregon Sens. Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley and Washington Sens. Maria Cantwell and Patty Murray to continue their efforts in climate justice by working collectively on our federal legislature to amplify these actions. Please continue the trend to collaborate with Indian tribes to conserve our land, water, and ecosystems, and to reduce the use of fossil fuels with carbon pollution.
