by Michael Stewart

We often hear that question. The problems of the world, of the nation, of the economy, of injustice, of health care, of inequality are so great and daunting. What can one person do?

As a 72-year-old of limited financial means I have often said in these challenging times to several dispirited friends and fellow citizens: Never give up hope, I have seen the tide change before.

Each of us now, each of us in Multnomah County have a rare opportunity to DO SOMETHING.  

The Multnomah County Climate Justice Plan is ready to be submitted to the County Commission on July 16. 

For over three years, community partners and the Multnomah County Office of Sustainability, Health Department, City of Portland Bureau of Planning and Sustainability have held more than 30 meetings, webinars, open houses and workshops; and have engaged with 640 community members to craft The Climate Justice Plan. 

Frankly, the plan is nothing short of a localized International Declaration of Human Rights for local citizens as we all face global warming. The plan seeks to enshrine that all citizens have a right to clean air, water, affordable energy, resiliency to extreme weather events, affordable housing, health care and safe food;  and safety from the risks of fossil fuels. Additionally, the plan seeks to ensure all local citizens have access to nature, parks and green infrastructure; transportation, access to green jobs—and that all citizens have the opportunity to contribute to the Climate Justice Plan. Yes. We still believe in inclusion.

The plan will be submitted to the Multnomah County Commission on July 16. Read the Plan at  https://multco.us/info/climate-justice-plan. Then, contact your County Commissioner. Tell them you endorse the Climate Justice Plan and want them to do so also. Here are emails for our Multnomah County Commissioners:

• Chair Jessica Vega Pederson mult.chair@multco.us
• District 1 Commissioner Meghan Moyer district1@multco.us
• District 2 Commissioner Shannon Singleton district2@multco.us
• District 3 Commissioner Julia Brim-Edwards district3@multco.us
• District 4 Commissioner Vince Jones-Dixon district4@multco.us

Given the denials by the felon in the White House and his administration that climate change is in fact real; their support of the fossil fuel industry, and the obliteration of 50 years of environmental protections, some may choose to feel powerless.

You have the opportunity to take back your power. Read the Climate Justice Plan. Support the Climate Justice Plan. Let your commissioner know you support the plan. You have a voice on climate change. Right here in Portland. Right here in Multnomah County. 

So, contact your county commissioner. And while you are at it, email your state representative and senator, your congressional delegation and Governor Kotek. (A contact list of these elected officials is available on our Voter Resources page.) Let them know you support the Climate Justice Plan and that mitigating climate change is important to you and so is asserting your voice. Insist on being heard.

Michael Stewart is a MultDems precinct committeeperson in House District 33.