How a healthy environment supports healthy people

A healthy environment plays a vital role in our collective well-being — growing the food we eat, providing the water we drink, and offering the resources we need to thrive. But the climate crisis is fueling more extreme weather, causing wide-ranging consequences — including increasing hunger.

To end hunger for good, we must make Oregon more resilient to extreme weather while reducing the emissions that worsen climate change.

That’s why during this legislative session we’re calling on our state lawmakers to support policies that will move us toward a healthier environment for healthier communities. Sign the petition to tell your legislators you support these climate-smart, community-led solutions!

The climate crisis is already affecting Oregonians across the state — from poor air quality, water pollution, drought, wildfire, ice storms, and more. The communities on the front lines of the climate crisis — especially Black, Indigenous, and all Communities of Color and low-income communities — are also more likely to experience hunger. We must act to address these disparities and end the unjust systems that cause our communities to experience the climate crisis first and worst.

We’re asking lawmakers to support policies that will put Oregon on the path to a healthier environment for stronger communities:

Community Resilience Hubs (HB 2990)

As we face more and more extreme weather and climate disasters, strengthening our communities will build a more resilient Oregon. This bill would provide the resources for neighborhoods to create community resilience hubs and networks to make it easier for Oregonians the next time disaster strikes. Stronger communities can make the difference between surviving and thriving. Read more about this bill in our testimony and at orhubs.org/take-action.

Building Resilience (SB 868, 869, 870, 871)

Homes and buildings are our first line of defense against climate harms, like extreme heat and wildfire smoke. They are also the second largest source of climate pollution in Oregon. This package of policy solutions would update building codes to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from newly constructed buildings and reduce barriers to energy efficiency. We’ll gain better health, lower costs, and a safer climate by increasing efficiency and resilience — with more insulation and sturdier windows and doors, and transitioning to clean electricity for heating and cooking. Read more about these bills in our testimony.

Toxics Free Environments (HB 3043, SB 426, SB 546)

In Oregon, children and women of color face disproportionate rates of exposure to toxic chemicals, which impact their long term health. Impacts on health worsen conditions of poverty, such as chronic health conditions that make it harder to find stable employment, or high healthcare costs that jeopardize financial stability. These bills will help reduce exposure to dangerous toxic chemicals in everyday products and in schools. Read more about these bills in our testimonies for Toxic Free Kids, Toxic Free Schools, and Toxic Free Cosmetics.

Right to Refuse Dangerous Work (SB 907)

Workers need to be safe on the job. This bill would protect workers by allowing workers to reasonably refuse to do work that can cause them death, serious impairment, or serious injury – such as extreme natural disasters, active evacuation zones (e.g., wildfire), faulty equipment, and acts of violence. This basic right improves the likelihood that a job will provide a stable income – and stable employment is a critical factor in reducing rates of poverty and food insecurity. Read more about this bill in our testimony.

We need bold, urgent solutions to our climate crisis that supports healthier communities. Sign the petition to show your support today!

Ever since Republicans in the State Senate walked off the job, our state legislators have been blocked from passing these kinds of transformative policies and investments to end hunger for good.

We count on our elected officials to work for us, and it’s time for them to come together and do what’s right for our communities. Learn more and join us in urging Senate Republicans to come back to work on behalf of people facing hunger in Oregon.