We don’t want to see the deep injustice at the heart of the accelerating climate crisis. Those of us in the global north, who are responsible for the vast majority of planet-heating pollution, are not doing nearly enough to relieve its crushing effects on frontline and fence-line communities. We can and must end our reliance on fossil fuels.
That means change. We need to conserve finite resources (that’s almost everything) so those least economically and politically prepared to deal with droughts, famine and destructive weather, here and abroad, have a chance.
Here at home, Oregonians are worried about the loss of biodiversity, low reservoirs, scorched landscapes, smoky skies and heat domes. We can take personal and collective action to demand that decision-makers direct resources to mitigate the worst effects (every 1/10 of a degree of heating we prevent makes a difference) and help communities adapt where rising homelessness, the legacy of white supremacy and rural poverty are heavy burdens.
The technology is here, and clean energy has never been more affordable. Investors are abandoning risky fossil fuel investments. The emerging norm is for rich countries and their relatively rich people to take the lead, because we can. We have a chance to do our part in Eugene, to put concrete policies in place to electrify our new buildings. Gas is the fastest growing source of greenhouse gas emissions and has significant health impacts. Stop the injustice. We can live more sustainably. That’s the real choice.
Patricia Hine
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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