Climate change is taking its toll on Oregon’s coast

The almost 400 miles of Oregon’s beautiful coastline are accessible to the public. The intent of that is to give Oregonians access to the wonders of our ocean and all it has to offer. The Beaver State has rocky cliffs housing thousands of seabirds, sandy coast full of resting seals and lush kelp forests concealing Dungeness crab, rockfish and urchins. Sadly, these areas are at risk from climate change.

We’ve known for decades that our oceans are warming – they’re getting hotter, currents are changing and the level of oxygen and acidity vary over time. These effects have already started to take their toll on Oregon’s ocean, and this week the Oregon Department of Environment Quality proposed that two areas of the Oregon coast be designated as impaired due to the effects of climate change. If the proposal is approved, Oregon would be the first state in the nation to have coastal waters impaired in this way.

As a state, we pride ourselves in having some of the most beautiful environments our country has to offer. We have snow-capped mountains, pine forests, high deserts and a wild and accessible coast. The ocean is part of what makes Oregon, Oregon, and without a healthy one we risk losing part of what makes this place great.

Fortunately, there are ways to bolster our ocean against the effects of climate change. We know when we protect and conserve areas of our ocean the overall ecosystem becomes healthier and more resilient and is better able to handle stressors – like those caused by climate change.

Momentum is growing to build ocean resiliency here and Environment Oregon is part of that effort.