Although the majority of Americans believe that climate change is happening, only one in 10 feels that they are "very well informed" about climate change. A recent Yale University study highlights common misperceptions about climate change – the causes, risks and potential solutions. The Oregonian is encouraging local residents to take a version of the Yale quiz to see how Portland metropolitan residents stack up against the rest of the nation in terms of climate change knowledge.
The Yale study reveals that many Americans do understand that emissions from cars and trucks and burning fossil fuels contribute to global warming. As a regional government with responsibility for land use and transportation planning as well as waste reduction and disposal, Metro is providing leadership in reducing greenhouse gas emissions through partnerships, legislative action, education and data provision. The Metro Council has directed staff to examine all of the agency’s planning efforts, programs, projects, policies and internal operations for the potential impact each can have on climate change. Collectively, these actions are identified as Metro's broad climate action effort called Climate Smart Communities.
At a council work session last month, staff presented information on three major climate change activities currently underway at Metro to continue the agency’s regional leadership role in reducing green house gas emissions. Most of the work that supports Metro's mission of making a great place – from compact land use planning to natural area acquisition to promoting recycling – has enabled the region to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from where they could be. However, current efforts still fall short of what is needed to meet carbon reduction goals established by state law. The region also falls short of being fully prepared for the projected changes that will occur in the region due to an altered climate.
Given that 75 percent of Americans polled say that they would like to know more about climate change, Metro has a regional role to play to ensure that residents and local partners know what they can do to make a difference.
Read more about Metro's work to address climate change: www.oregonmetro.gov/climatechange