Economies of our modern world are dependent on the energy from fossil fuels. Most of us have become familiar with the many dangers that burning fossil fuels present for our health, safety, environment and climate. Meanwhile, the wind blows for free, the sun shines for free and the tides flow for free. The heat beneath our feet, geothermal energy, is also free and constant. Harnessing these types of energy sources to generate clean, affordable electricity is the best way to invest our time and money going forward. Let’s leave all the hazards from coal, oil and gas behind us and begin to adapt for the future by using new technologies.
It’s always hard to change the status quo because there are so many entrenched interests depending on business as usual. That’s why it is significant that the Eugene City Council is presently considering two measures that will put us on the path towards a managed transition from fossil fuels to renewable electricity sources. These are very consequential measures because scientists have been telling us that we must drastically cut carbon emissions by 2030 to prevent irreversible climate chaos.
Political will is created by public opinion. I encourage you to contact your councilor. If enough of us speak up for electrification, Eugene can do its part for a safer, cleaner world.
Carolyn Partridge
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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