State, C.O. leaders join in digital climate change rally

Featured speakers included DA, U.S. senator, secretary of state candidate

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- The Deschutes Youth Climate Congress, along with Indivisible Bend, 350 Deschutes and Vocal Seniority, have replaced their physical Earth Day climate change rally with a three-day movement on social media.

A recent report from the American Lung Association said the air quality in the Bend-Prineville area has actually showed signs of improvement. The report says it went from the 22nd to the 26th most-polluted area for short-term particle pollution.

However, activists like Freddy Jordet, one of the climate change rally organizers, said there is still much more work to be done. He said moving the movement completely online because of the coronavirus pandemic has proved to be challenging.

“The huge con is that you don’t have the same physical interaction you would have with a strike that makes it a great experience, but also is really effective at getting that message across," Jordet said Wednesday, the 50th anniversary of Earth Day.

He said last month, he, along with the other organizers, had to change up their original plans for a physical rally in downtown Bend. He said the guest speakers joining in the digital rally had not planned to attend the in-person rally, and neither did many other people supporting the movement through social media.

The digital rally is one of several taking place across the nation on Earth Day.

Guest speakers included secretary of state candidate Jamie McLeod-Skinner, and Deschutes County District Attorney John Hummel.

“The climate crisis is real, and we must work together to stop it," McLeod-Skinner said. "Protecting our environment goes beyond party politics. We all breathe the same air, and we are all impacted by the changing climate, some more than others."

Hummel said he is proud of the movement spearheaded by youth and encourages them to continue fighting for action against climate change.

“"Be angry! Be outraged! Heck, even be disgusted! Then do what you need to do take back your Earth," Hummel said. "Speak out in your communities. Be loud, be proud, and do not accept 'no' for an answer, because you are the saviors our Earth is counting on for survival."

U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley, state Rep. Cheri Helt and Eric Thomas,  the retail social mission manager of Ben & Jerry's in Bend, also joined in the movement by posting their messages online.

The second day of the rally focuses on asking state representatives to take direct action against climate change. On Friday, the last day of the strike, the YCC will share art and songs submitted by the community.

To keep up with the digital climate change rally and watch all of the guest speakers' messages, visit the Facebook page.