While reading the Oct. 22 Oregonian/OregonLive article, "Kate Brown, Knute Buehler find little common ground on climate change," I was astonished at comments by Buehler, the Republican gubernatorial candidate, that showed a lack of insight and concern about climate change. I wonder if he is aware of the recent dire report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Buehler's tepid response to climate change action indicates he might not be.

Meanwhile, Gov. Kate Brown is a climate champion leader. Her strong leadership protected Elliott State Forest. She'll protect Oregon air and water from federal environment rollbacks and she's banned offshore drilling. She also supports the upcoming Clean Energy Jobs bill, while Buehler publicly announced he would veto it. Also, he has voted against standards for cleaner fuels in Oregon, making it easier for polluters to damage Oregon's air. He earned a lifetime "F" rating from the Oregon League of Conservation Voters.

As our world continues its sad march toward climate catastrophe, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change gives us a bit of hope -- but only if we act immediately. A vote for Buehler threatens a wasted four years of government inaction while deep-pocketed polluters push us forward into an uninhabitable planet.

Polls show a strong majority of people want immediate climate action. I'll vote for the candidate who will provide that important and immediate action. My vote is for Kate Brown.

Donna Murphy, Northeast Portland