To mark the second anniversary of the deadly 2021 Heat Dome, communities across the Pacific Northwest are taking action all week long. We’re calling on decision-makers to protect local forests so that they can protect us, in turn, from the affects of climate change in the years ahead.
Folks kicked off the Week of Action for Forests & Climate yesterday by hanging banners up and down the I-5 corridor, reaching thousands of drivers on their morning commute with the message that forest defense is climate defense. At the same time, members of the PNW Forest Climate Alliance delivered a letter to the Biden Administration. In the letter, 65 organizations and individuals demanded greater protections for forests on federal land, which are a critical part of climate change mitigation.
Here in Portland, the 350PDX Forest Defense team joined the coordinated action by holding banners on the NE Skidmore overpass. Photo by Alex Budd.
And this is just the beginning of the Week of Action for Forests & Climate! Throughout the week, there will be actions all over the region. Together, we’ll highlight the important role that rural and urban forests play in supporting community resilience and the urgent need to prioritize forest protection in this time of climate crisis.
Join forest and climate defense events all week long, here in Portland!
Rumble on the River 8: Forest Park and the Critical Energy Infrastructure Hub
Wed, June 28 (6-8:30pm) — at Central Lutheran Church (1820 NE 21st Ave, Portland) – learn more & register here
Join us for the 8th in a series of community forums on Zenith Energy and the CEI Hub, where we’ll talk about the proximity of the CEI Hub to Forest Park, the urban canopy, shade equity, climate resilience and the forest-climate connection. Rumble On The River community forums bring together expert voices to explain the risks of having 90% of Oregon’s fuel stored within city limits. The Critical Energy Infrastructure (CEI) Hub, a 6-mile stretch of aging tank farms, including Zenith Energy’s oil facility, stands on a seismic liquefaction zone in the Lower Willamette.
East Portland Climate Resilience Ride
Thurs, June 29 (6-8pm) — NE Halsey St &, NE 148th Ave, Portland – more info & registration here
Join us for the Pedalpalooza Climate Resilience Ride, a community ride to highlight climate (in)justice and how trees can be a solution for keeping Portlanders safe in the summer, and how low income and BIPOC neighborhoods have been treated unfairly in their shade (in)equity. Co-hosted by 350PDX and the East Portland Resilience Coalition.
The ride is a 10-mile loop, starting and ending at Halsey HydroPark (NE Halsey St &, NE 148th Ave, Portland, OR 97230). Meet at 6pm, ride should go until about 7:30pm.
Forest Climate Pint Night
Friday, June 30 (6pm) @ Gorges Beer (2705 SE Ankeny St, Portland)
Come grab a drink and get to know some of your local climate forest advocates! Hosted by Felice Kelly, Forest Defense Team volunteer co-lead.
Take action right now!
Tell the U.S. Forest Service to prioritize increased carbon storage and climate resiliency in National Forests through better management standards
On April 20, the U.S. Forest Service announced an “Advanced Notice of Public Rulemaking” asking the public to answer the question: Given that climate change is impacting national forests, how should the Forest Service adapt its current policies to protect, conserve, and manage the national forests for climate resilience, and provide for ecological integrity and social and economic sustainability over time?
It’s so great that they’re asking that question, and you get to answer it! Until July 20th, you can tell the U.S. Forest Service how best to change management standards and priorities to increase carbon storage and climate resiliency in National Forests.
It is beyond time for all levels of government to treat the climate crisis like the emergency it is. I am heartened by Multnomah County’s bold action last week to hold Big Oil accountable for their role in creating the climate crisis. Now, governments need to recognize that Big Timber has also massively profited off clearcutting one of Oregon’s best defenses against climate chaos, and act quickly to protect and restore our forests.
For the forests,
Brenna Bell, 350PDX Forest Defense Manager
