In January 2024, Lake Oswego and the surrounding Portland region endured a devastating winter storm that left many of us without power in freezing temperatures. Lives were lost, and the financial toll was staggering. The storm caused over $165 million in economic losses, with $16 million in public infrastructure damage and $40 million in Lane County alone. Businesses like Sushi Kuni and Quad’s Garden floral shop reported losses between $30,000 and $75,000. The storm also caused over 238,000 power outages, highlighting just how unprepared we are for climate-driven events.
This wasn’t just a rare occurrence — it was a warning. Extreme weather events are becoming more frequent, and we must prepare our community to face them. One of the most effective ways to do this is through climate literacy.
A pending bill in the Oregon Legislature aims to make climate education a priority statewide, ensuring students learn about the causes and impacts of climate change and how to adapt and mitigate its effects. This legislation is vital and deserves our full support. However, we don’t have to wait for it to pass to take action here in Lake Oswego.