Actions you can take to reduce the impacts of climate change

Tackling climate change might seem like an impossible challenge, but it’s not too late to take positive action. There is still hope! How we use and care for the land around us can reduce dependence on greenhouse gas producing chemicals, use less water, and capture carbon in the soil.

Consider making a few small changes that can add up to a big difference. Whether you have a large yard, a small patio, or a farm field or two, there are ways to give nature a helping hand.

• Create naturescapes in your yard. Native habitats can better withstand environmental stresses from climate change. Select native plants that are more likely to survive hot summers and wet springs.
• Replace water-hungry lawns with meadows that provide habitat for pollinators.
• Build healthy soils on your farm or garden that are better at holding moisture.
• Maintain and restore upland and riparian forests to hold moisture, provide wildlife and people shelter from increasing heat, remove carbon from the atmosphere, and protect existing carbon storesCarbon stores About 50% of a tree’s total volume and dry weight is carbon..
• Improve the health of your forest to increase carbon stores, provide habitats for wildlife, and make it more resilient to wildfire. This includes thinning dense stands of small trees to allow remaining trees to get bigger and removing flammable weeds and vines from trees.
• Remove carbon from the atmosphere by planting permanent vegetation such as native trees, shrubs, grasses, and wildflowers.
• Volunteer with the City of Portland to help remove invasive plants and plant native plants.
• Add climate change-resilient native trees and plants to your property or community spaces wherever and whenever there is the opportunity.