Oregon is experiencing climate change now

(FEBRUARY 4, 2019) A new report from the Oregon Climate Change Research Institute at Oregon State University brings serious news. Climate change is affecting the state -- especially Southern Oregon. Changes include rising temperatures that reduce the snowpack and increase the risk of wildfires. And the report says that conditions will get worse.

“Southwest Oregon is sort of a ground zero for a lot of this with the many recent years with poor snowpack and fires and smoke,” says Philip Mote. He is one of the authors of the 4th Oregon Climate Assessment Report. He is also a former director of the institute. “Simply put, the state’s biggest fire years occur when summers are unusually warm and dry. Since warm and dry summers are occurring more frequently, we can expect fire danger to increase as well.”

Human activity is the problem -- and not only in Oregon, but around the world. Using fossil fuels -- such as oil, gas, and coal -- causes air pollution, which causes global warming. Global warming changes the planet's climate. According to the report, Oregon will be 4 to 9 degrees warmer by 2100.

“There’s always been weather. There’s always been variability in climate. But we’re seeing this gradual shift over time toward warmer, drier summers, lower snowpack and more wildfires,” he said.

Wildfires not only destroy forests and disrupt the economy, but they also affect air quality. This can affect the health of people and animals. The smaller snowpack can have consequences for not only recreation, such as skiing, but also water for agriculture and even just drinking.