Northeast Oregon Residents Overlook Climate Change as Key Issue

Letter to the editor expresses shock that climate change was not mentioned in survey of top concerns

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

In a recent email survey of the most important issues facing northeast Oregon, the author was surprised and dismayed to find that not a single respondent listed climate change as a top concern. The author, an 80-year-old resident, has spent decades trying to raise awareness about the urgent need to address climate change and its devastating consequences, but feels their efforts have been largely ineffective.

Why it matters

Climate change is one of the greatest threats facing the planet, with far-reaching impacts on the environment, economy, and human health and well-being. The fact that it was completely overlooked by residents in this survey suggests a troubling lack of understanding or prioritization of this critical issue, which could hamper efforts to enact meaningful climate action and solutions at the local level.

The details

The author received an email survey asking residents of northeast Oregon to list the 15-20 most important current issues in the region. After reviewing the responses, the author was "shocked" and "appalled" to find that not a single respondent mentioned climate change as a top concern. Instead, issues like the economy, hospital services, and the current presidential administration were cited as more pressing. The author, who has been "beating the drum of climate change awareness" for 60 years, expressed frustration at the lack of progress and the worsening state of the environment due to inaction, particularly under the current presidential administration. The author outlined steps they and their spouse have taken to address climate change, such as making charitable donations to environmental organizations, volunteering for conservation efforts, and examining their own carbon footprint.

  • The author has been raising awareness about climate change for the past 60 years.
  • The author received the email survey regarding important issues in northeast Oregon in 2026.

The players

Mike Higgins

An 80-year-old resident of northeast Oregon who has spent decades trying to raise awareness about the urgent need to address climate change.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I recently received an email regarding the most important current issues that matter to folks in northeast Oregon. Once finished reading the list of the 15-20 items, I was shocked to see that not a single response named climate change as an important issue. I think the word shocked falls short of describing my surprise. A more accurate word would be appalled!”

— Mike Higgins (bakercityherald.com)

The takeaway

This letter highlights the critical need to better educate and engage the public, especially at the local level, on the grave threats posed by climate change. Without widespread recognition of the problem and a concerted effort to address it, communities will be ill-prepared to mitigate the impacts and implement effective solutions.