By: Victoria Sanchez

Oceans engulfed in plastic, children required to wear masks to school because the air they’re breathing is polluted, summer temperatures so hot that a pet’s feet stick to the melting tar on the street, these are current realities. Environmental sustainability is the answer to the Earth’s rapidly declining health. Taking steps to prevent further damage can lead to achieving the goal of reversing the climate changes.

As cited by the Environmental Protection Agency in its 2015 report, industry accounts for 21% of direct greenhouse gas emissions, making it the third largest producer in the U.S. Transportation and electricity are the top two greenhouse gas contributors in the U.S. Oregon differs, with the largest contributor being transportation, followed by residential and commercial as the top three largest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions according to Bill Drumheller of the Oregon Department of Energy. Oregon’s greenhouse gas reduction goal is to reduce emissions to 10% below the 1990s emission levels, however, when evaluated in 2013, Oregon was given a C+ meaning progress was very slow if detectable at all.

Cities and businesses have the chance to be front-runners for environmental sustainability and have the opportunity to make a difference. However, the lack of progress in significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the Northwest has prompted a preparation ideology rather than a combative one.

Upgrades and replacements of current inefficient technology, changing to low carbon electricity, and implementing carbon caps for industries can reduce emissions as stated by Fishedick and Roy in Industry in Climate Change. There are many sustainable options for cities, but the real deciding factor is money. However, the 2017 U.S. Energy and Employment report argues that these sustainable innovations are cost-effective in the long run. Renewable energy can also offer more jobs. The 2017 U.S. Energy and Employment Report says 373,807 Americans were employed in the solar industry compared to 160,119 in the coal industry.

The largest contributors to the declining environment hold the most potential to aid in the issue of environmental sustainability. It’s up to the people, however, to voice our desire for change.