Portland Climate Action Team

10/02/2026

The hazards of fossil fuels.

The city has been monitoring air quality in South Portland near dozens of oil storage tanks for six years.

09/25/2026

We are introducing a new program, the Small Business Solar Accelerator, to help local businesses take advantage of solar incentives.

09/22/2026

What are we waiting for?
In 2019 the Portland City Council declared a Climate Emergency and resolved to take immediate action to phase out the use of fossil fuel (Resolve 8-19/20). So where are we with that resolve?

08/29/2026

Global warming, climate change, do these terms appropriately define what we are now experiencing? I don't think so. With glaciers collapsing killing thousands, large scale forest fires that impact the air quality for millions, and regional droughts that affect agricultural production, those terms are too complacent and give us a false sense that we could survive the inconvenience. More accurately we are in a stage of Climate Collapse. I would urge you to use that term to more appropriately describe what we are now being subject to. We need to honestly describe the risks if we are going to solve the problem.

08/27/2026

Yes, Portland has a lot of serious problems that need attention. But the question of affordability and decreasing the cost of heating and cooling of our homes, businesses and schools must be confronted.

A LITTLE GOOD NEWS…

08/01/2026

I spoke with Brightsaver last week and they said their UL certification should be coming this fall. If you would be interested in hosting a demonstration unit at no cost please contact Portland Climate Action Team at [email protected]

Ten U.S. states have legalized systems that can be plugged into standard wall outlets. The technology typically does not require permits or electricians.

07/29/2026

07/21/2026

Is our warming planet contributing to the cyclospora outbreak?

The United States is going through the largest cyclosporiasis outbreak on record. Thousands of people, mostly in the Midwest, have fallen sick with stomach cramps and severe diarrhea. The authorities have linked the food-borne illnesses to lettuce grown in Mexico and served at some Taco Bell locatio...