Elections have consequences; the result of the 2022 mid-term election could be dramatic at all levels. The Yale Program on Climate Change Communication reported that as of February this year 74% of Oregonians think global warming is happening and 66% are worried about it. The data also suggest that 63% think Congress should do more about it, while 53% think the President and the Governor should do more. Nevertheless, as the election approached, polls consistently showed that the climate crisis ranked well below other more immediate pocketbook issues in the minds of voters across the country, with an array of other issues featuring more prominently in the public mind as critical to their voting choices.
We know that individual action and commitment is critical as a prerequisite for local, state, and federal action, but even when voters acknowledge the urgency of acting on the climate crisis, that recognition is not always translated into electoral action.
The 2022 mid-terms represented a critical moment when voters were able to express the level of their concern by electing candidates who acknowledge the climate crisis and commit to action.
The November SOCAN general public meeting will be devoted to exploring the results of the 2022 election and assessing how they influence local, state, and national efforts to address the climate crisis. In Oregon, the Governorship and both chambers remain in the control of those concerned about the climate crisis. The view from the State Capitol will be presented by Oregon House District 5 Representative Pam Marsh while SOCAN co-facilitator Alan Journet will provide comments on local and federal outcomes.
In addition, in response to frequent requests from SOCAN volunteers and program attendees for help in talking with friends and relatives who are skeptical about climate science, we have arranged a program to do just that. Warren Kahn, senior trainer for the More To Life international educational non-profit foundation and presenter of a two part workshop to be held in January 2023, will introduce this special offering.
The November program will be offered via ZOOM on Tuesday 29th from 6:00 – 7:00 pm. There is no charge for joining the November ZOOM meeting, but participants must register at the link on the SOCAN calendar event: socan.eco/now-what/.
press release from SOCAN
