Every year since 1997 has been in the top ten hottest years in recorded history, with 2005 deemed the warmest on record. Average global temperatures have risen by one degree Fahrenheit since the late 19th century. Globally, the warming in the 20th century is the largest of any century during the past thousand years and is roughly as warm as the Earth has been at any time in the last 420,000 years.

Scientific consensus agrees that natural processes cannot explain the increased temperature. The primary cause is the accumulation in the atmosphere of human-produced greenhouse gasses such as carbon dioxide and methane. These gases are released through the burning of fossil fuels, decomposition of waste in landfills, and other human activities such as deforestation.

A growing number of scientists are also concerned that more than a 2-3^o F temperature increase above pre-industrial levels may generate immense and possibly irreversible economic, social and ecological impacts worldwide, including in the Pacific Northwest. To put this kind of change into perspective, the last ice age was only 9 ^o F cooler than today’s temperatures. (For more on specific effects in Oregon and Washington, click here)

Although climate change is driven by the global emission of greenhouse gasses, the impacts will be felt at the local level. Similarly, although action is required across the globe to resolve the problem, many solutions to climate change must begin at the local level.

Industry, power generation and transportation contribute much of the country’s greenhouse gas emissions. But individuals are buying the products and using the power to heat and light our homes. Most of us drive and consume food and other goods that are transported from many miles away. Community members, therefore, are ground zero for responding to climate change.

How to Participate or Volunteer

Become a Climate Master

We have trained 50 committed community members in our unique "Climate Master" program! Participants received 30 hours of training on ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in individual's homes, yards, food and transportation choices and are now giving at least 30 hours of their time to help others to curb their greenhouse gas emissions through household consultations, presentations, tabling at events, running small groups and other strategies. Contact climlead@uoregon.edu or call 541 346-0786 to schedule outreach from a Climate Master.

For past topics and instructors, click here.

Climate Master Participants

Applications for the next session are available here. Please fill out and return to us or send an email with responses to get your name on the list for the Spring 2008 class - dates to be announced.

Please contact us at climlead@uoregon.edu for more information or if you cannot download the application.

Receive a Climate Change Consultation

We have now expanded our program to the entire local community! Contact us to have a pair of Climate Masters visit your home to provide a consultation and a tailored plan for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in your home, transportation, food and other consumption patterns and your yard. Click here to sign up for a free household consultation or email climlead@uoregon.edu or call (541) 346-0786.

Attend an Event

Our events are currently on hold.

Join our Listserve

Sign up for email event announcements and tips for reducing emissions in your home, yard, food and transportation choices by clicking here.

10 Ways to Reduce Your Emissions

Most climate pollution that causes global warming comes from fuels used to produce energy - gasoline, diesel, coal and natural gas. Here are ten things you can do to reduce climate pollution^*:

1. Drive less. Walk, bike, take a bus, carpool and combine errands. Do whatever it takes to reduce your time behind the wheel.

2. Drive smart. Keep your car tuned and tires properly inflated. Don’t idle when you’re stopped. About 15 seconds is the break even point. Forget the jack rabbit starts. On the freeway, stick below 60 mph.

3. Be fuel efficient. Not only will you stop wasting gas and money, but by driving a fuel-efficient car you can make a real reduction in your carbon emissions. For drivers of diesel vehicles, the more biodiesel you use, the fewer emissions you produce.

4. Reduce, reuse and recycle. Most products require energy to produce, distribute and manage the resulting waste. Choose pre-owned products, products with recycled content and less packaging. Visit one of Eugene’s salvage yards, consignment or thrift shops and BRING recycling.

5. Trim the carbon from your diet. The average dinner travels 1,500 miles from farm to your plate, spewing carbon all the way. Eat locally grown and produced food or grow your own to really cut food miles. Minimize packaging to avoid embodied emissions. Choose organic over conventional foods to reduce the use of fossil fuel based fertilizers.

6. Stay out of hot water. A hot water tank is the second largest user of energy in a home. So, set your tank at 110-120°F, take shorter showers, use water-efficient washing machines and wash clothes in cold water. You’ll cut down wasted energy, water and money.

7. Turn down, turn off and unplug. Set thermostats at 68°F or lower when you’re home and 55°F or lower when you’re away or at night. Turn off lights in empty rooms and use compact fluorescent bulbs. Unplug electronics like DVDs and cell phone chargers that aren’t in use to avoid wasting 7-10% of your household’s electric use. Bring back the old clothes line to dry your wash. When you purchase new electronics, buy energy efficient ones.

8. Plant a tree. One tree sequesters 25 pounds of carbon a year for 30 years. Deciduous trees on the south and west sides of your house will keep you cool in the summer, but still allow in winter light.

9. Befriend your utility. Eugene Water and Electric Board (541-484-1125), Emerald People’s Utility District (541-746-1583) and NW Natural (800-422-4012) have great energy conservation programs and can provide more information, technical assistance and even some rebates. If you’d like to make the switch to renewable energy, EWEB provides wind power for a small additional fee. You can find them on the web at http://www.eweb.org/home/energy/index.htm (EWEB) http://www.epud.org/ (EPUD) or https://www.nwnatural.com/content_yourhome.asp?id=143 (NW Natural) 

10. Shout it out! You can make a difference. Start by taking the steps above and then let others know of your commitment. Tell people where you shop and where you work that climate protection matters.

The effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions depends on community-wide action. We invite you—and everyone you know to join the effort. Contact the Climate Leadership Initiative for more information at www.climateleadership.org or (541) 346-0786.

For more information on ways to reduce your personal greenhouse gas emissions, please visit the City of Seattle’s excellent website (http://www.seattle.gov/climate/getInvolved.htm ) for tips or attend one of our workshops (schedule coming soon).

Links and Resources

Transportation:

Lane Transit District Commuter Solutions
Solutions for van and carpooling, telecommuting, biking and walking resources.

Lane Transit District
Lane Transit District’s website has bus schedule and fare information.

City of Eugene's bicycle page
Contains useful maps and links.

Home Energy:

Eugene Water and Electric Board
Switch to wind power and find ways to reduce your electric and water use.

Emerald People's Utility District
More ways to save energy at home as well as rebates for natural gas users.

Energy Trust
Rebates for home energy efficiency measures.

Reducing Waste:

BRING Recycling
Everything you need to know about local recycling.

City of Eugene Composting
Learn how to compost with help from the City of Eugene's workshops, tips and more!

Yard:

Eugene Tree Foundation
Volunteer to plant carbon absorbing trees in your neighborhood.

City of Eugene's Urban Forestry
Tree planting tips and volunteer information.

Yard Debris
Yard waste collection information.

Food:

Eugene Community Gardens
Information on reserving a plot for those lacking space at home.

Willamette Food and Farm Coalition
Check out the Lane County food guide.

The Eat Local Challenge
Great resources for eating local in Oregon on a year round basis.

Local Harvest
Find local farms and food sources.