The Pacific Northwest

The Pacific Northwest has warmed at least 1.3°F since 1895—and the impacts are evident everywhere. Our analysts cover what’s happening with energy, vehicles, and other climate-related issues and solutions in the Northwest.


Photo: BLM Oregon

Scientists Advocating for Climate Action in Oregon: Why we are stepping up and speaking out

Sharon C Delcambre, PhD, Visiting Instructor of Environmental Studies, University of Portland; Frank D. Granshaw, PhD, adjunct faculty in Geology and University Studies, Portland State University, , UCS

June 5, 2019 11:52 AM EDT

We are two climate scientists, currently teaching about climate change at two universities in Portland, Oregon. We are also two concerned scientists who understand the severe threats that climate change is posing to human well-being, as well as two concerned parents (and one concerned grandfather) who are worried about the future of climate extremes that our children and grandchildren must bear. As members of the UCS Science Network, this year we have used our voices as scientists and experts to speak with Oregon state legislators and advocate for strong climate action in Oregon. Here are our stories.

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Photo: BLM Oregon
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Sea Level Rise Will Make Oregon’s Existing Flooding Problems Worse

, senior climate scientist

January 31, 2018 9:23 AM EDT

In 2013 Annie Pollard opened her pub, the 7 Devils Brewing Co., in Coos Bay, Oregon. Less than two years later, the pub flooded during a heavy rain that coincided with a high tide, and Pollard found herself stacking sandbags and mopping up floodwaters. While high tide flooding is relatively infrequent in Coos Bay, when it does occur, businesses like Pollard’s are at risk, and inundated roads cause traffic in town to snarl. Pollard and other business owners are acutely aware that such floods could become a much bigger problem for Coos Bay in the future. Read more >

JXBauer/Flickr
Rob More for the Oregon King Tides Photo Project
Oregon Global Warming Commission
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Cap-and-Invest: A Key Tool to Help Oregon Fight Climate Change

, Western states policy manager

January 9, 2018 5:00 PM EDT

With the Trump administration undermining federal action to address climate change, states like Oregon are stepping up to protect the planet for future generations. Read more >

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Adding insulation to your attic is an effective step to improve the efficiency of your home, save money, and cut carbon emissions.

Which States are Most Energy-Efficient? Here are the Latest Results

, Senior energy analyst

November 28, 2017 2:49 PM EDT

Autumn makes me think of leaves colored orange and amber and red, of the smell of cinnamon and nutmeg wafting from a range of desserts… and of states vying for top honors in the annual state ranking of energy efficiency policies and progress.

The leaves are mostly done, and the desserts are in my belly. But the latest ranking from the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy is out and available, and ready for sampling. It’s always a beautiful sight and a tasty treat. Read more >

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Glacier National Park Fire. Photo: Brett Timm, National Park Service

Western Wildfires Add to Disasters the Nation Faces: Will Congress Take Action?

, Policy Director and Lead Economist, Climate & Energy

September 15, 2017 12:25 PM EDT

Record wildfires are now burning across a large swath of the Western US, even as the Southeast and Gulf coasts of the US are struggling to recover from Hurricanes Harvey and Irma. Yesterday the Forest Service announced that firefighting costs have already topped $2 billion in 2017, for the first time ever. Earlier this week Senators Daines and Tester separately called for action to address wildfire threats, the latest of similar bipartisan efforts. Congress needs to finally get wildfire funding and forest management legislation across the finish line without delay.

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