350 Salem OR is a grassroots organization taking local action for a stable climate and sustainable planet.
New laws promote walkable, climate-friendly neighborhoods.
Transportation is Salem’s biggest source of greenhouse gas emissions. Across many local initiatives, we need to apply a climate lens to reduce vehicle traffic. Neighborhood design is a major factor in reducing emissions from transportation. City of Salem staff are studying new rules from the Oregon Department of Land Conservation and Development for Climate Friendly and Equitable Communities. The more things we can do in our own neighborhood, the less we need to drive. Here’s a brief introduction.
Oregon’s Elliott research forest will be North America’s largest.
Old growth forests in the Pacific Northwest are one of the Earth’s most powerful climate solutions. In fact, our temperate rainforests store more carbon per acre than tropical rainforests.
The Elliot Forest is home to mature and old growth trees, but Oregon political leaders and forest defenders have struggled for decades to determine the fate of the Elliot. The forest has been legally obligated to generate revenue for public schools through timber sales. Now this invaluable forests has protections.
Good news for biking in Salem!
It has been less than a year since Salem Bike Vision was formally launched, and a lot has been accomplished. Not only did hundreds of community members turn out to successfully advocate for significant investments in safe bike infrastructure to be included in the 2021 Community Infrastructure Bond, but the bond passed handily!
Climate Science Basics: just the facts …
Fifty years from now people will likely look back on this era through the lens of having seen catastrophic climate changes that we cannot even imagine. Our legacy will depend on the level of moral courage we display in this difficult challenge.
350 Salem OR Co-coordinator Phil Carver