Climate change is perhaps the greatest threat faced by humanity, and the consequences — from rising sea levels to increasing temperatures that are driving more intense wildfire seasons and threatening coastal communities — are already being felt here in Oregon.
However, we have the tools to mitigate these effects, most notably HB 2020, the Clean Energy Jobs bill.
Passing this bill would put a price on carbon pollution from Oregon’s largest polluters while simultaneously increasing investment in clean energy.
HB 2020 would also protect those who will be most affected by the effects of climate change — communities of color, rural communities, low-income communities and those who live along the coast.
As a student at the University of Oregon, the threat of climate change constantly looms in my mind. The most up-to-date science says that we must act now to curb carbon emissions and avoid a climate catastrophe.
The famous saying “think globally, act locally” comes to mind here. Passing the Clean Energy Jobs bill would show the nation that Oregon is a climate leader and that we are doing our part in the fight against climate change, while paving the way for the rest of the country to do their part.
I urge Oregon’s legislators — especially those who represent me, Sen. James Manning and Rep. Nancy Nathanson — to pass HB 2020 and commit to much-needed climate action.
Brendan Adamczyk
Eugene
A Note From the Publisher
Dear Readers,
The last two years have been some of the hardest in Eugene Weekly’s 43 years. There were moments when keeping the paper alive felt uncertain. And yet, here we are — still publishing, still investigating, still showing up every week.
That’s because of you!
Not just because of financial support (though that matters enormously), but because of the emails, notes, conversations, encouragement and ideas you shared along the way. You reminded us why this paper exists and who it’s for.
Listening to readers has always been at the heart of Eugene Weekly. This year, that meant launching our popular weekly Activist Alert column, after many of you told us there was no single, reliable place to find information about rallies, meetings and ways to get involved. You asked. We responded.
We’ve also continued to deepen the coverage that sets Eugene Weekly apart, including our in-depth reporting on local real estate development through Bricks & Mortar — digging into what’s being built, who’s behind it and how those decisions shape our community.
And, of course, we’ve continued to bring you the stories and features many of you depend on: investigations and local government reporting, arts and culture coverage, sudoku and crossword puzzles, Savage Love, and our extensive community events calendar. We feature award-winning stories by University of Oregon student reporters getting real world journalism experience. All free. In print and online.
None of this happens by accident. It happens because readers step up and say: this matters.
As we head into a new year, please consider supporting Eugene Weekly if you’re able. Every dollar helps keep us digging, questioning, celebrating — and yes, occasionally annoying exactly the right people. We consider that a public service.
Thank you for standing with us!
Publisher
Eugene Weekly
P.S. If you’d like to talk about supporting EW, I’d love to hear from you!
jody@eugeneweekly.com
(541) 484-0519
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