Eugene has made important but still painfully slow progress toward meeting its goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Now a troubling new obstacle has appeared. “Climate hushing” refers to a growing pressure, being applied from national newsrooms to local governments, to say less, or nothing at all, about climate change — because it could be politically inconvenient.

National news coverage used the term over 30% less in 2025 than in 2024. Both Reuters and The Washington Post closed their climate desks.

It is deeply troubling to hear that this “hushing” has reached Eugene City Hall. Some elected representatives reportedly now avoid the word “climate” entirely because of the immediate backlash it provokes.

Silence on climate does not reflect what our community believes. According to the latest Yale Climate Opinion Maps, 69% of adults in the Eugene‑Springfield metro area are somewhat or very worried about global warming — 6 points above the national average. 

U.S. Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse of Rhode Island has repeatedly urged elected officials to stand up to efforts to delay climate action, including climate hushing. He adds something else important: When leaders stop talking about an issue, public enthusiasm fades.

But the climate crisis is not fading. Fire experts are warning that Oregon’s wildfire season could be severe, even catastrophic. A Super El Niño is looming. Eugene residents have repeatedly supported candidates who promised to be climate champions. We cannot afford for those leaders to be silent when the moment demands courage and urgent action. 

I encourage everyone from Eugene reading this to push back on climate hushing. Tell the mayor and your city councilor that you expect them to say the word “climate,” to face the crisis honestly, and to act with the urgency that the crisis demands. When enough of us speak up, our representatives will listen. Our future depends on refusing to be hushed.

Roger Knudson
Eugene