I’m 18, and I just participated in the largest climate protest in history. Now I’m ready to vote for someone who will protect my future and prioritize planet over profit. Oregon must take responsibility for our share of the problem and become a leader on climate. The state’s large polluters must be held responsible for the pollution that jeopardizes my future.

Last year, I realized climate change was not a crisis to fear in the distant future. I was reading headlines about the hottest months on record, the strongest storms in decades and countless wildfires. Then news broke we had only until 2030 to curb our emissions before we hit a point of no return. Since then, headlines have only been more devastating. The cost of doing nothing is too high.

Meanwhile, my generation bears the responsibility of advocating for a livable future. Youth activists have been striking every Friday to put an end to climate chaos, and 4 million of us have participated. Politicians and CEOs need to make decisions that will benefit people, not polluters’ profits.

Although we may not be in positions of power, many of us youth activists will be eligible to vote in 2020. Our vote matters and will be one of the countless ways we will get lawmakers to listen to us. My representative, Sen. Laurie Monnes Anderson, is part of why the Clean Energy Jobs bill failed to pass. I’m ready to put someone in office who will fight for a livable future.

Victoria Clark, Troutdale