Central Oregon Climate March, COCM, Bend, is a Solidarity march for the Peoples Climate March organized for New York City. Other Solidarity marches are scheduled for Portland Oregon, and other places globally set for September 21, 11:30am.
The purpose of the Climate March is to draw attention to the pressing problem of global warming and the need to reduce use of fossil fuels in order to reduce the risk of catastrophic consequences. The United Nations Secretary-General has invited leaders from government, business, finance and civil society to come to a Climate Summit in New York City. The Summit will convene the week after the Global Climate Marches.
At the Climate Summit, leaders will be asked to make bold commitments to action. Fifty countries, including China, European Union, India, and Brazil, have already agreed to the need for robust, universal, and legal climate agreement by 2015.
The United Nations IPCC, Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, composed of some of the most respected climate scientists in the world, has determined that most of the changes to climate are due to humans’ use of fossil fuels, such as coal, oil, and gas, and resultant carbon emissions. (5th Report, IPCC, United Nations, 2014) They state that the window of opportunity to address climate change is narrowing quickly.
In addition to showing support for the Climate Summit in New York City, COCM organizers hope to engage Central Oregon leaders at all levels to create goals that reduce use of fossil fuels. Solutions must be forthcoming in order to lessen the serious impacts of climate change to our security, economies, and health.
The United States is struggling to take Federal action on reducing carbon emissions. Many feel that this is largely due to the influence of fossil fuel companies. Billionaires and corporations have financed a huge misinformation and climate denial campaign that not only rejects the concept of climate change, but also ignores the role of fossil fuels as a cause.
The March will begin at Humm Kombucha at 1125 NE 2nd St, Bend, continue through downtown Bend, ending at Bend Education Center, 520 NW Wall St.
Red umbrellas color the backdrop at Humm Kombucha, staging area. The endpoint, features a wide expanse of green lawn where marchers will gather for speakers and music.
Participants are urged to carpool. Many will ring bells, sing songs and enjoy music, including art activities for children.
Speakers: Tyler Deke, Bend MPO, Lindsey Hardy, Clean Energy Advocate, Russ Donnelly, Bend Citizens’Climate Lobby, others TBD.
Who is Sponsoring the Climate March: Presbyterian Church Green Team, Bend Citizens Climate Lobby, Unitarian/Universalist Social Justice Committee, Central Oregon Social Justice Center, Oregon Citizens Climate Lobby, Humm Kombucha, Wabi Sabi, Art of Construction Inc. and Umpqua Village LLC and concerned citizens.
Contact: Diane Hodiak
206-498-5887
dhodiak@comcast.net
