Focused on climate change

State officials told a packed house of students and community members their goals to create a more sustainable world by implementing efforts such as using less petroleum and relieving U.S. dependence on fossil fuels during the annual “Focus the Nation” event last night.

“Focus the Nation,” a national event aimed at promoting global warming solutions, offered nine students from a variety of schools in Oregon the opportunity to pose questions regarding sustainability to several of the state’s representatives and Gov. Ted Kulongoski. The 4,000-seat Chiles Center stadium at the University of Portland, the host of the event, was packed, and hosted a prominent student turnout.

Kulongoski, a long-time advocate of sustainability, said he wants Oregon to look into options such as Liquefied Natural Gas, a type of fuel that produces less pollution than the petroleum used in most vehicles. He said that relieving dependence on fossil fuels, such as coal, and encouraging widespread use of wind, solar power and other alternative forms of energy can make a substantial difference.

“Oregon has gotten very serious at investing in renewable energy,” Kulongoski said, adding that he is pleased Oregon adopted the Renewable Portfolio Standard, which requires buildings and companies to use more renewable energy.

Sandra Tsing Loh, a regular commentator for public radio stations including NPR, moderated the session, where the student panelists asked questions to four Oregon policy makers. Hannah Fisher, a member of the State Board of Higher Education and the sustainability coordinator for the PSU student government last year, represented Portland State.

“I care about people,” she said, “but in order for me to help people, there has to be an earth for people to live on.”

“We still have a lot more to do, but we are certainly on the right track,” said Jackie Dingfelder (D-Portland), a member of the House of Representatives.

U.S. Congressman Earl Blumenauer (D) and Kulongoski both said students can play a large role in making a change for the planet. Kulongoski said that when students believe in what they do and get involved, they can make a difference.

“You have a more global perspective and can move us in that direction,” Blumenauer said.

“Every once in a great while, people have the opportunity to come together and do something truly remarkable. This is one of those opportunities,” said Senator Ben Westlund (D -Tumalo).

Throughout the event, the audience was lively and highly responsive to the representatives’ answers.

“It’s important to support and hear what our lawmakers are saying about sustainability,” said University of Portland senior Caitlin MacMillen. “I found it disappointing that they received the question in advance.”

Jessie Jenkins, a member of the student-based group Cascade Climate Network, said people’s inactivity regarding climate change is unfortunate.

“This is a truly nightmarish scenario,” he said, “yet the science behind it is very real.”

The Portland punk-blues band Hillstomp opened up the event and were followed by Live Wire, a humorous radio show, which is aired on Oregon Public Broadcasting.

Audience members wrote and read haiku about rising temperatures, big oil or carbon footprints in the sand. Portland indie-rock band Stars of Track and Field closed out the night with a set.