Activists in Salem urge Gov. Tina Kotek to declare climate emergency - Statesman Journal

Activists in Salem urge Gov. Tina Kotek to declare climate emergency
Olivia Stevens

About 80 climate activists gathered at the Oregon State Capitol on Friday evening demanding Gov. Tina Kotek declare a climate emergency.

The demonstration was one of five across the state in solidarity with the Global Climate Strike, a day of action organized by the youth-led Fridays for Future. Activists came out to advocate for bolder action by state and local governments on issues like wildfires and housing.

Speakers kicked off the strike with a song with lyrics like “change your fracking ways and leave it in the ground,” and ended with a skit poking fun at the concept of carbon capture technology.

Organizations represented at the strike included the local chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America, Marion County Democrats, Willamette University’s Climate Action Alliance and more.

Phil Carver, co-coordinator of climate activist group 350 Salem OR, called out Kotek for declaring a state of emergency on homelessness but failing to declare a climate emergency.

“(Climate is) killing people, just like the homeless crisis,” he said. “Part of the homeless problem is wildfires.”

Others pointed out that declaring a climate emergency in Oregon could influence other states to do the same.

“She’s got a lot of power,” Willamette University student Sarah McNaughton said of Kotek. “Oregon is famous for its natural resources. So (declaring a climate emergency) could be a pathway for other states to follow suit.”

In a statement to the Statesman Journal, the governor’s office pointed out climate policies Kotek has advocated for like the Climate Action Roadmap to 2030 and the state’s Environmental Justice Council.

“The governor believes strongly in the need for Oregonians to do their part to fight climate change,” the statement said. “The governor is thankful for all of the youth activists who are committed to climate action. Oregon’s environmental priorities require continued and urgent action – especially in the face of the worsening climate crisis.”

Jordan Millett, of the Democratic Socialists of America, said in a speech that plans for climate action by 2030 are not urgent enough. He said youth are unfairly shouldering the burden of climate disasters and the fossil fuel industry is preventing swift change.

“We're not out here to complain about our governor,” Millett said. “What we’re doing is showing our strength and bringing back the climate change movement in Oregon. We're doing our part and it's time for her to do hers.”

Olivia Stevens is an outdoors journalism intern at the Statesman Journal. She can be reached at ostevens@statesmanjournal.com