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Climate Justice
What does climate change have to do with racial and social justice? A whole lot it turns out! As Sarah Kaplan declares in the Washington Post, “If humanity is going to effectively tackle climate change [we have to understand the connection between climate and justice.] You can’t build a just and equitable society on a planet that’s been destabilized by human activities. Nor can you stop the world from warming without the experience and the expertise of those most affected by it.”
That’s true here in Portland, too! If you’re new to climate justice, or an experienced advocate, check out these resources to get you started:
- What is environmental racism? And a brief history of climate justice.
- Check out Portland first ever mass climate justice virtual rally, a must see in-depth conversation with city leaders and community organizers.
- The history of NE Portland’s Albina district is a prime example of historic environmental injustice. And the need for environmental justice today!
- Learn about the inequitable heat island effect in Portland’s redlined neighborhoods.
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Climate Justice at PPS
At Portland Public Schools, we’re incorporating climate justice into our fight against climate change. In a range of documents, including PPS reImagined, Leading with Racial Equity and Social Justice, and the newly minted (March 2022) PPS Climate Action Policy, racial justice is explicitly linked to our fight against climate change and vice versa. The district also hired a Climate Justice advisor, Kat Davis, last year!
If you’re part of the PPS community and would like to be involved in implementing or creating programs around climate justice, get in touch with us by emailing sustainability@pps.net.
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Youth and students for climate justice
If you’re a Portland youth and you want to fight for climate justice, there are many organizations that would love to hear from you and would love to work with you! Organizations like Sunrise PDX, 350PDX, and OPAL Environmental Justice Oregon all work with youth organizers, educate and train new activists, and host events and volunteer opportunities for young people and families.
The Portland Youth Climate Strike is leading a climate strike on April 21st! For more information, follow their Instragram @portlandclimatestrike.
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Celebrating Black Environmental Justice Heroes
Did you know the first piece of federal legislation to create “green jobs” was advocated for by Van Jones, a Black environmental justice (EJ) leader? Through years of research, advocacy, and community activism, BIPOC leaders like Van Jones have built the foundation for the EJ movement. During the month of February, EcoRise highlighted a number of Black EJ heroes on our social media channels. Read through these inspiring stories from Black EJ heroes and share them with others! Learn more by clicking this link.
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You are not alone!
Local groups across Portland and the world are fighting for climate justice every day. In Portland, the Braided River Campaign is a group of Willamette River residents, activists, artists, and organizers working to recreate the North Portland Harbor in an environmentally just way. Meanwhile, organizations like the Climate Justice Alliance keep you updated on climate justice campaigns all over the world, like the Dakota Access Pipeline fight.
If you thought you were alone in this fight, you’re not! We’re going to beat climate change by millions of people all over the world doing a lot of little things the right way, learning from our mistakes, and trying again!
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Practicing Shared History
The Confluence Project connects Pacific Northwesterners to the history, living cultures, and ecology of the Columbia River system through Indigenous voices. Is it a community-supported nonprofit that works through six art landscapes, educational programs, and public gatherings in collaboration with northwest tribes, communities, and the celebrated artist Maya Lin. Check out their resource library for ideas!