Oregon has a longstanding legacy when it comes to caring for our environment and natural resources.

We should. There's not a doubt in my mind that we live in the most beautiful state in the union.

But, that beauty is not something we can take for granted. Yesterday, the United Nations released a startling new report on our global climate crisis. Here are a few of my takeaways:

• We are almost certainly living through the hottest period of time in at least the last 125,000 years (in case July's record-breaking heat dome and this week's predicted 109-degree days aren't proof enough);

• All of the extra energy trapped in the earth's atmosphere is worsening the extreme weather conditions that are becoming all too common across Oregon and the globe;

• We still can avoid the worst impacts of climate change if governments, businesses, and individuals seize opportunities to reduce emissions as quickly as possible.

Based on everything that's at stake, I will do whatever it takes to make sure the Oregon Legislature aggressively combats climate change. Chip in what you can now to help keep up the fight.

This past legislative session, we passed critical measures to help prevent wildfires and accelerate our switch to 100% clean energy.

I know that when future generations look back on our work, our accomplishments will be included in a long list of what kept Oregon Oregon.

Because wildfires aren't going to slow down given the realities of climate change. And our need to break free from fossil fuels in a big way is only going to become increasingly significant.

I sincerely hope that, by working to address these issues now, we can set ourselves up to not just survive these challenges—but thrive.

I don't think any of us can truly say what things will be like in 2040, the date we set in our legislation to achieve 100% clean energy with Oregon's public utilities.

But the issues we're dealing with today won't go away without real work, commitment, and creativity.

In the past two years, Oregon's Republicans have shown they'd rather walk away from their responsibilities than have an honest conversation about what we need to do as a state to protect families and build a better future.

We need to elect leaders that stick around for tough votes and don't shrink from the challenges of this moment.

Are you with me? Please contribute now, and let's build the future our kids and grandkids deserve.

Rob