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On Friday, thousands marched in support of urgent climate action. Isabella Garcia
On Friday, thousands of Portlanders marched to call on elected officials to take more action against climate change. The event, organized by the Portland Youth Climate Strike, also took aim at businesses and organizations that organizers believe are working in opposition of the city’s climate goals.
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“We need adults to go beyond calling youth activists ‘inspiring,’” strike organizer Adah Crandall said in a press statement, “they must join this movement with us and do their part to protect our shared future.”
Friday morning saw over two thousand people gather in front City Hall to deliver a climate pledge for Portland officials. The pledge asked city leaders to “act decisively” to combat climate change by opposing new fossil fuel investments, refusing monetary contributions from the oil, gas, and coal industries, designing climate policies that prioritize their constituent’s health, and supporting environmental justice initiatives “at every possible opportunity.”
Carmen Rubio, Multnomah Commissioner Sharon Meieran and Milwaukie Mayor Mark Gamba joined the protestors in front of City Hall to sign the climate pledge. Portland City Commissioner Jo Ann Hardesty and Multnomah County Commissioner Susheela Jayapal also signed the pledge, but weren’t able to attend in person.
State Representatives Maxine dexter and Khanh Paham holding their climate promises. Isabella Garcia
“People are going to tell you that you are being idealistic and not rooted in reality, but the truth is, if they’re not taking action on the climate crisis, they are the ones who are not rooted in reality,” Pham told the crowd after signing the pledge. “It is so clear that we are in a crisis situation and if we are not reacting and responding with policy changes that actually meet the crisis of this moment, they are the idealists thinking that business as usual is going to work.”
Dan Ryan, City Commissioner posted a social media messagein support of strikers, but did no immediate response to the Mercury’s question on whether or not he plans to sign the climate pledge. Mayor Ted Wheeler’s office did not respond to the request. Mercury’s question on whether he plans on signing the pledge. City Commissioner Mingus Mapps’s office declined to comment.
Many thousands of Portlanders are getting ready for march. Isabella Garcia
The crowd marched from City Hall to the nearby NW Natural and Portland Business Alliance (PBA) headquarters—two of the four “climate villains” event organizers identified as hindering the city from making progress on its climate goals—before marching over the Burnside Bridge towards Revolution Hall, where local environmental organizations had set up a climate festival, complete with information about local climate issues and live music.
During the march, students chanted and held signs expressing their fear for the future if dramatic action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions isn’t taken soon. According to the most recent United Nations Climate Change ReportTo avoid climate catastrophes, greenhouse gas emissions must be cut by half by 2030 and peak by 2025.
Iris Foster (left), during the climate strike Isabella Garcia
Iris Foster, a student at Lincoln High School, said that she has watched “too many depressing documentaries” to not push for greater action against climate change. Foster points out, however, she learned about the climate crisis in Portland and Portland-specific climate issues only through her own research.
“Being able to join the movement should be more accessible,” Foster said. “There should be classes in school about this.”
Nina, a student at Portland Community College, was at the march Isabella Garcia
As the march took over Martin Luther King Boulevard in Southeast Portland, Nina—a Portland Community College student who only provided the Mercury her first name—led a chant in Spanish.
“¡Sí se puede! Yes we can!”
Nina says climate justice means that Portlanders of color should be centered on the people most at risk. Feel the impact of climate change first.
“The movement is often led by white people even though Black, Indigenous, and other people of color have been [calling attention to the climate crisis] for years and are most impacted by it,” Nina said. “It’s like we’re overshadowed.”
The banner of elected officials who signed the climate pledge Isabella Garcia
A banner with many faces of elected officials was hung in front the building as the march left City Hall. The green section—officials who have committed to acting quickly against climate change—included the faces of the few elected officials who signed the climate pledge. The yellow section, representing officials who had not responded to the organizers’ requests to sign the pledge, was crowded with overlapping faces.
“Right now, our leaders have a choice to make,” Crandall said while standing in front of the banner. “They can either continue to side with the climate villains who are destroying our planet, or they can side with the young people gathered here today fighting for our futures.”
The Revolution Hall climate festival is set to continue until 8 p.m. Friday.
Protesters gathered at City Hall. Isabella Garcia
Youth organizers leading a chant. Isabella Garcia
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Climate Strike: Students Isabella Garcia
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