An Oregon climate conservation group supported making the fossil fuel industry pay for their pollution and said it is a step towards solving the problem of climate change.

Camila Thorndike, head of Oregon Climate, spoke about climate change and how to combat it during her lecture, “Millennials: #PutAPriceOnIt for Climate Justice” on Thursday evening in Ice Auditorium.

Thorndike said the carbon pricing policy would encourage clean energy by holding companies accountable for their pollution.

She explained that there are two different ways to price carbon. The first is a cap set on carbon emissions by the government. If companies exceed that amount, they will essentially have to pay more to continue polluting.

The second way is a carbon tax on sale and production of fossil fuels.

Putting a price on pollution not only gives a solution for climate problems, it also gives people an incentive to support it.

Both carbon pricing policies would result in a return of up to $1500 given back to every Oregon taxpayer.

“We focus on the solution, not the problem,” Thorndike said. The reason Oregon Climate is effective is because it sets achievable goals.

However, to achieve the addition of a bill to Oregon legislature it must have the support of the people.

“We feel small, wondering how our actions can make a difference, but it’s up to each of us to decide to break that cycle,” Thorndike said, encouraging citizens to get involved.

“Three years ago [Oregon Climate] was just five friends in a living room, and now we are 5,000 strong,” Thorndike said. Oregon Climate has gained momentum over the years, and has introduced three bills into the Oregon legislature.

“I think we need everyone involved,” Linfield sophomore Peri Muellner said in reference to climate conservation efforts. The importance of getting youth to become politically involved was highlighted in Thorndike’s presentation

“Oregon is big enough to make a difference, and small enough to organize effectively,” Thorndike said.

If the carbon pricing legislation passes in Oregon, she hopes it will serve as an example for other states.

Oregon Climate says that about 40 countries are already using carbon pricing, and others are still considering it. In British Columbia, the tax has reduced carbon consumption as well as helping the economy. Thorndike said that overall, 12 percent of world pollution has decreased due to carbon pricing.

“Earth needs the kind of love that won’t give up,” Thorndike said. She said that if nothing else, people should fight for future generations so that they can lead a good life unburdened by the problems of climate change and pollution.