We have surpassed a milestone humanity has not reached in over 6,000 years, and it is not good. According to the National Oceanic Atmospheric Association (NOAA), the earth is at 421 ppm of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, 50 percent higher than the start of the industrial revolution and increasing 2 ppm each year. Scientists say 350 ppm is the allowable level humans can sustainably live at.

The burning of fossil gas, coal and oil has put us at this level, and we are cooking the planet. A rapid transition off of burning gas and oil and using electric energy sourcing through renewables will help us reduce carbon emissions.

Nationally, the Biden administration has enacted the Defense Production Act to manufacture energy efficient heat pumps and solar panels making climate change and clean energy a natural security issue.

Locally, we need to phase out gas appliances, and the city could require the Downtown Riverfront proposed multi-dwelling buildings be electric and not locked in for 30 years of fossil gas for appliances. This, and passing an ordinance making all new residential construction be energy sourced by electricity, would help the city reach their Climate Recovery Ordinance goals.

Increasing two ppm of CO2 per year, we do not have time to procrastinate. We are already experiencing the consequences.

Jim Neu

Eugene

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