WED Event, Media and Activity Coordination Report
Transcript of WED Event, Media and Activity Coordination Report
Event, Media and Activity Coordination Report
OCTOBER 2013
Charlie Hales, Mayor l Nick Fish, Commissioner l Dean Marriott, Director
World Environment Day Event, Media and Coordination Activity Report l 1
What do Nairobi, Bangkok, Bahrain,
Panama City and Portland
have in common?
All five were selected by the
United Nations to be host cities for this year’s
World Environment Day Celebrations on June 5.
Established in 1972, World Environment Day
is celebrated across the globe,
focusing international attention on
environmental solutions.
World Environment Day Comes to Portland!
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World Environment Day Partners 3
Introduction 4
United Nations Invitation 7
World Environment Day Website 12
Resources and Event Calendar 13
World Environment Day on Facebook 17
World Environment Day Materials 18
RoZone Rally 24
Mae Jemison Workshop 25
Innovation Celebration 26
World Environment Day in the News 30
Results 35
Appendix A: Mayoral Speech 36
Appendix B: World Environment Day Media 43
Procession of species at the RoZone Rally on World Environment Day
Table of Contents
World Environment Day Event, Media and Coordination Activity Report l 3
World Environment Day, Portland 2013 was a citywide
collaborative series of events led by the following
steering committee members.
Thanks to all Portlanders who hosted events, attended events,
celebrated by taking positive actions and learned more about
ongoing opportunities to contribute to a healthy environment.
Acknowledgements
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World Environment Day
was established by the
United Nations General
Assembly to mark the
opening of the 1972
Stockholm Conference.
Celebrating World
Environment Day is about
the inspirational power of individual actions that collectively become an exponential force for
positive change. World Environment Day is celebrated around the world in many ways,
including street rallies, bicycle parades, green concerts, essay and poster competitions in
schools, tree planting, recycling efforts, clean-up campaigns and much more.
The worldwide theme this year was “Reduce Your Foodprint”. Reduce Your Foodprint is an
anti-food waste and food loss campaign that encourages people to reduce their foodprint.
The United Nations Environment Programme Regional Office of North America selected the
City of Portland to host this year’s World Environment Day (WED) spanning Earth Day, April
22, 2013 to WED, June 5, 2013 for the long-
standing environmental achievements,
policies and current initiatives. A few
examples are illustrated on the following
pages.
A collaborative effort of the City of Port-
land, community members, community
organizations, academic institutions,
agencies, businesses and non-profits came
together at hundreds of events between
Earth Day and World Environment Day.
The celebration focused international
attention on the many efforts in Portland to protect and enhance the environment. It was an
opportunity to celebrate and recognize all the good work happening in Portland every day and
most importantly, inspire us to continue moving forward.
Portland hosts World Environment Day
About World Environment Day
Why UNEP selected Portland to host WED
World Environment Day Event, Media and Coordination Activity Report l 5
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As the designated North American host city, the
United Nations shone the spotlight on Portland’s
legacy of sustainable living, innovative use of
green infrastructure, healthy neighborhoods and
robust public involvement, so that cities around
the world can gain new ideas and inspiration and
also challenge us to do more.
Opportunity for Portland
BRUCE MACGREGOR
World Environment Day Event, Media and Coordination Activity Report l 7
United Nations Environment Programme
Invitation to Portland
Continued next page
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United Nations Environment Programme Invitation to
Portland to host World Environment Day 2013
World Environment Day Event, Media and Coordination Activity Report l 9
Portland accepts UNEP invitation February 13, 2013
with City Council presentations and resolution
All photos courtesy of Casey Cunningham, Portland Bureau of Environmental Services
With a City Council resolution and presentations from UNEP, Rose Festival,
Willamette Riverkeeper, Portland Audubon Society, Urban Greenspaces
Institute, comments from all the Commissioners, Mayor and more, Portland
ceremoniously accepted the UNEP invitation to host World Environment
Day in Portland 2013!
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Portland City Council resolution to accept
UNEP invitation to host World Environment Day 2013
World Environment Day Event, Media and Coordination Activity Report l 11
MESSAGE TO PORTLANDERS
While WED presented a great opportunity for Portlanders to shine, the opportunity came with no
funding nor added capacity. We worked via networking and encouraging all Portlanders to join in as
they saw fit. This yielded more than 200 events added to the WED calendar and a feeling of ownership
of the event throughout the community. The steering committee agreed to the following common
messaging for all organizations to use in their work.
• At the confluence of two great rivers, nestled in a valley rich with wildlife and natural treasures,
Portlanders can be continually inspired to find new ways to honor and protect the environment.
How will you celebrate?
• Bridging the gap: Join in the five weeks of celebrations starting on Earth Day through World Envi-
ronment Day on June 5th.
• Follow Portland’s World Environment Day events
at www.portlandoregon.gov/wed and on Facebook https://ww.facebook.com/2013wedportland.
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The World Environment Day website was unveiled February 13, 2013 and was continually
updated through June. It includes a variety of tools and helpful resources, notably:
• Information about WED
• WED Calendar and Event Submittal
• Featured Events
WED Website
The website received
over 15,000 hits
between February
and June
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Information about the Partners
• Educational Resources
World Environment Day Event, Media and Coordination Activity Report l 13
Resources and Event Calendar
We included dozens of re-
sources on a variety of sus-
tainability topics, including:
• Food Waste
• Clean Energy
• Sustainable Business
• Volunteer Opportunities
• Portland Innovations
• Climate Planning
• Green Building
• Natural Space
• Watershed Services
• City Green Blog
Over 200 Portland area events were
submitted to the event calendar
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Featured WED initiatives
Intertwine Alliance—45 Days of Success
A call went out to Metro area organizations for success stories to share with the world, one
for each of the 45 days bridging the gap period between Earth Day and World Environment
Day. They doubled that goal and the stories were posted on the main UNEP website!
The stories are available on the
Intertwine website and are an
inspiring read!
World Environment Day Event, Media and Coordination Activity Report l 15
15
Portlanders Rise to the Occasion
In addition to key events on Earth Day and World Environment Day, throughout the city and region
individuals, groups and agencies celebrated in a variety of meaningful ways including:
• Portland Bureau of Transportation organized a special Senior Stroll linking World Environment
Day and Lloyd Ecodistrict
• Portland Bureau of Development Services organized
special fundraising events to contribute to SNAP at
farmers markets
• 0MSI/Surfrider/Greenfire Productions celebrated
World Ocean Day (June 8) with a multi-faceted event
at OMSI
• Groundwork Portland hosted a Portland Harbor
outreach event
• SCRAP held a special workshop on reusing materials
for art
• National College of Natural Medicine produced a spe-
cial one day event– Nature, Health + Ecology: A
Forum on Well-Being and the Environment.”
• Port of Portland hosted a tour of sustainability
initiatives at the Portland Airport and posted a sign
for visitors to PDX during WED
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Challenge to the Community for WED
From: http://audubonportland.org/about/newsletter-pdfs/warbler-may13
http://audubonportland.org/about/newsletter-pdfs/july2013/view
Portland Audubon Society and
Columbia Land Trust
Portland Audubon
Society and Columbia
Land Trust
challenged the
region with a goal of
50 yards certified in
the 45 days between
Earth Day and World
Environment Day.
That goal was far
exceeded for a total
of 72 new certifica-
tions in 45 days!
World Environment Day Event, Media and Coordination Activity Report l 17
We created a Portland Facebook page to share news, stories, and important information.
World Environment Day on Facebook
We received 169 “likes” on
Facebook in two months.
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We developed and distributed a
variety of flyers and marketing
pieces including:
• 4 versions (updates) of the
World Environment Day
Fact Sheet
• Innovation Celebration
Invitation
• RoZone Rally Flyer
• Children’s Painting
Competition Brochure
World Environment Day Materials
World Environment Day Event, Media and Coordination Activity Report l 19
WED Kickoff Event at the Foster Floodplain
April 25th, marked the kick-off of
World Environment Day festivities in
Portland, with representatives from
the United Nations Environment
Programme, the City of Portland, and
partner agencies and community or-
ganizations celebrating the official
opening of the Foster Floodplain
Natural Area. This project is one
example of Portland’s many efforts
to restore streams and natural areas
in the city.
Clockwise from top left: 1) Native American Fancy
Dancers 2) Comm. Fish, Johnson Creek Water-
shed Manage Maggie Skendarian and community
members plant trees at the Foster Floodplain
Natural Area 3) Commissioner Nick Fish, Portland
Parks Director Mike Abate, Amy Fraenkel, Dean
Marriott 4) Native lupine blooming at the Foster
Floodplain Natural Area 5) Environmental Ser-
vices Director Dean Marriott and UNEP RONA
Director Amy Fraenkel
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International Children’s Painting Competition Awards
PSU Native American Student and Community Center
Pictures clockwise from left: On
cover: First-place prize,
submitted by Jessica Qiu of San
Jose, California. Top left: Sec-
ond-place prize, submitted by
Amy Zhu of Fremont, California.
Top right: Families visit the gal-
lery. Right middle: Portland's
First Lady, Nancy Hales, with
Cali Rawhouser-Mylet, Port-
land's Best Second Place Win-
ner. Bottom right: Marcellus
Omer and his artwork,
Portland’s Best First Place Win-
ner.
World Environment Day Event, Media and Coordination Activity Report l 21
City Council activities for June 5th, 2013
World Environment Day in Portland!
June 5th began with a
meeting of the Mayor of the
City of Portland, President
of Metro Regional
Government, Director of
North American Office of
the United Nations
Environment Program
(UNEP) and leads from
Portland State University to
discuss potential long term
partnerships before heading
to Council for congratulatory
remarks from UNEP.
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City of Portland World Environment Day
Mayoral Proclamation 2013
World Environment Day Event, Media and Coordination Activity Report l 23
Portland Press Conference and Knowledge Sharing with UNEP
Clockwise from top left: 1) Mayor Hales delivers WED speech 2) Q&A during international food waste report release
3) Brian Lipinsi, WRI releasing international report. 4) Elisabeth Guilbaud-Cox, UNEP and Brian Lipinski WRI (Susan
Anderson, BPS and Amy Fraenkel UNEP in background). Below: Knowledge Sharing by Portland Food Waste
Minimization Leaders with UNEP and WRI. Moderator: Steve Cohen, Bureau Planning and Sustainability and Portland/
Multnomah Food Policy Council. Panel members: Bruce Walker, Arianne Sperry, Bureau Planning and Sustainability;
Jennifer Erickson, Metro; Renee Bogin, Portland State University; Tracy Oseran, Founder and Executive Director,
Urban Gleaners; Eecole Copen, Oregon Health & Science University; Distinguished guests: Hillary Barbour Deputy
District Director, Congressman Earl Blumenauer. All photos this page courtesy of PSU First Stop Portland
UNEP, World Resources Institute and City of Portland Press Conference and Knowledge Sharing on
Leading Portland Food Waste Minimization Programs
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One of the main World Environment Day
events was a rally at the RoZone as part of the
Rose Festival. There were over 20 environ-
mentally focused exhibitors, a concert per-
formance by Joy Now, and a “procession of
species”- a parade of children and families
dressed up as animals.
Salmon Hats
Children learning about Salmon
Joy Now Performance
Salmon Storytelling Tent
Children learning about trees
Portland Rose Festival: Rozone Rally
Salmon Storytelling Tent
World Environment Day Event, Media and Coordination Activity Report l 25
Students had the
opportunity to
work with
professionals and
experts in
environmental
science and green
technologies.
Source: The Skanner
Students and Dr. Mae Jemison
“Food, Water and the Environment:
What’s the Connection?”
The hands-on environmental youth workshop was
led by Dr. Mae C. Jemison. Dr. Jemison is the first
African-American female astronaut into space.
Portland high school students participated in the
workshop in which Jemison provided feedback and
guidance. The workshop took place at Roosevelt
High School. Students learned about the amount of
food wasted around the world and the vital
importance water plays in our everyday life as they
worked on solving key local and regional
environmental challenges in Portland. The students
tackled an array of environmental issues that high-
lighted the interplay between food, water and bio-
diversity, energy, health, recreation, the economy,
education and urban living. Students consulted with
experts from the United Nations Environment
Programme (UNEP) and Portland-based industry,
education, environment, regional government and
non-governmental organizations.
Photos by Source: The Skanner
“What we like to do is work with
teachers and students to really have
them learn something in a very experi-
ential way. When you experience
something, you learn it better. And we
know, especially when you are working
with teenagers that they need to use
all their motivation and enthusiasm to
apply to a problem.”
-Dr. Mae Jemison
Workshop with Dr. Mae Jemison
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On June 6th, we hosted a World Environment Day Innovation
Celebration. There were remarks from City Officials, university
leaders, and other change-makers on solutions that led to
Portland’s honor as host city for World Environment Day 2013.
There were remarks by Amy Fraenkel, Director of the United
Nations Environment Programme of North America.
The event also featured Bella Gaia performed by Director,
Composer and Violinist Kenji Williams. Bella Gaia shared
visualizations of Hotspots and Hopespots and humanity’s
presence on earth as seen from space. Stories selected for Bella
Gaia’s multimedia show come from UNEP and NASA science
data, and were created to inspire future solutions thinkers.
The event also featured Gary Braasch, a Portland-based
environmental photojournalist, His project World View of Global
Warming documents climate change science, effects and
solutions. His work is featured in UN publications, books,
magazines, postage stamps, apps, and museum exhibitions.
All photos by Bruce MacGregor for the City of Portland
Innovation Celebration June 6th
2013 World Trade Center
200 people attended the
capstone event
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Innovation Celebration June 6th
2013 World Trade Center
Over 200 people attended the Innovation Celebration
celebrating World Environment Day in Portland 2013.
The event included a keynote from Oregon First Lady
Cylvia Hayes. A video welcome from Congresswoman
Suzanne Bonamici kicked off the evening program held
at the World Trade Center.
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In addition to the speakers, exhibitors included: PSU, UofO, PCC, BES, BPS,
Climate Solutions, Imagine Energy, Lucid Energy, Wisdom of the Elders,
United Nations University Regional Center of Expertise coordinating group,
SOLVE, Ecotrust, Tualatin SWCD, Lewis and Clark College,
NW Earth Institute, Hands On Greater Portland
Innovation Celebration June 6th
2013 World Trade Center
World Environment Day Event, Media and Coordination Activity Report l 29
WED in the News
In sum, Portland WED received coverage in
dozens of media stories via local, regional,
national and international media via print
newspapers, newsletters, websites, press
releases and social media.
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WED in the News
Clockwise from Top Left: 1) Mae Jemison Workshop
featured in the Skanner 2) Mayor Hales remarks fea-
tured on Sustainable Business Oregon 3) City Green
World Environment Day Event, Media and Coordination Activity Report l 31
WED in the News
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WED in the news June 2013
VIDEO
Innovation Celebration
Portland Community College live coverage and edited video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k3F9SMu0z6M&feature=c4-
overview&list=UUN466LfbD0UoUAFM9MbNQIA
Sustainable Today TV coverage:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VDIyOs7mm8c
FOOD WASTE
Catholic Sentinel
http://www.catholicsentinel.org/main.asp?SectionID=2&SubSectionID=35&ArticleID=21780
Sustainable Business Oregon
http://sustainablebusinessoregon.com/articles/2013/06/wed2013-with-portland-
backdrop.html
PRESS CONFERENCE,
WED IN GENERAL AND MORE
Sustainable Business Oregon
http://sustainablebusinessoregon.com/articles/2013/06/wed2013-hales-calls-for.html
http://sustainablebusinessoregon.com/articles/2013/06/its-world-environment-day-how-are-
you.html
http://sustainablebusinessoregon.com/articles/2013/06/wed2013-asofenixs-jaime-
munoz.html
Portland Tribune
http://portlandtribune.com/sl/153803-portland-takes-center-stage-for-world-environment-
day
http://portlandtribune.com/pt/9 news/153981 hales says state should end fossilfuel investments
Oregon Public Broadcasting
http://www.opb.org/news/article/portland-among-4-cities-noted-by-uns-world-environment-
day/
World Environment Day Event, Media and Coordination Activity Report l 33
WED in the news continued
https://www.facebook.com/oregonpublicbroadcasting/posts/10151633222584939
Willamette Week
http://www.wweek.com/portland/blog-30273-hales_calls_on_city_.html
Rose Festival media
MetroScope Podcast
http://www.metroscopepdx.com/podcasting.php
KPTV
http://www.kptv.com/category/230512/rose-festival
Radio Disney
http://radio.disney.go.com/music/yourstation/portland/06052013-93464.html
1THING
http://portland.1thingus.com/celebrating-world-environment-day
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MAE JEMISON WORKSHOP
Oregonian:
http://www.oregonlive.com/gresham/index.ssf/2013/06/
astronaut_mae_jemison_teaches.html
Portland Tribune:
http://portlandtribune.com/
pt/9-news/154416-students-
see-green-as-world-
environment-day-ideas-grow
The Skanner:
http://www.theskanner.com/
article/Dr-Mae-Jemison-Holds-
Environmental-Workshop-
with-Portland-Students-2013-
06-06
INNOVATION
CELEBRATION/BELLA
GAIA
http://climatesolutions.org/cs-
journal/highlights-from-world-
environment-day-in-portland
WED in the news June 2013
MAYOR’S SPEECH AT PRESS CONFERENCE
350.ORG
Dear Friends,
Great news! Yesterday, Portland Mayor Charlie Hales announced his support for fossil fuel divestment and urged the entire state of Oregon to divest.
“By acting locally,” Mayor Hales declared in a speech for World Environment Day, “we can send a message to the world that investment in fossil fuels is a losing proposition, and that loosening our dependence on fossil fuels will increase our quality of life.”
Portland joins over a dozen other cities across the country, five colleges, and a growing number of churches (including St. Luke’s Lutheran Church in Portland) that have all committed to pursue divestment.
If you’re inspired by Portland’s announcement and want to help get your religious institution, college or alma mater, or another public institutions to divest, you can find or start a campaign by clicking here: campaigns.gofossilfree.org/
Yesterday’s announcement is a direct result of some incredible organizing by 350 PDX, our local 350.org chapter in Portland. For the last few months, they’ve been building momentum for divestment through a grassroots effort that included petitioning the Portland City Council and meeting directly with city council members.
“Given that our atmosphere recently reached the dubious milestone of 400ppm of CO2, we are thrilled not only that our Mayor recognizes the urgency of the issue, but that he also recognizes fossil fuels as risky long term investments,” said 350 PDX organizer Adam Brunelle.
Now that Portland and Eugene are on board, it will be important to get more Oregon cities to commit to divestment and keep pushing the state to take action. As Mayor Hales said, “The City must urge the Oregon State Treasurer, the Local Government Investment Pool and the Oregon Investment Council to divest of all state holdings in fossil fuels.”
If you haven’t already joined up with 350 PDX, now’s a great time to get involved. You can learn more about the organization, get a schedule of upcoming events, and sign up for their local mailing list by visiting: 350PDX.org
It’s been inspiring to watch this divestment campaign spread all across the country and around the world. We also got news from Australia today that the Greens there are going to be pushing the country’s $85 billion Future Fund, the country’s major pension fund, to divest from fossil fuels. From Portland to Sydney, we’re gaining momentum!
Go team, Jay
World Environment Day Event, Media and Coordination Activity Report l 35
• WED was featured by over 30 media outlets including print, electronic and video coverage
• 15,000 WED website hits
• 172 Facebook likes
• 300+ events entered onto WED calendar
• City Council resolution accepting UNEP invitation to host WED
• Mayoral proclamation for June 5th as WED
• Mayoral speech with several environmental pledges for WED
• Launch of Our Common Ground with Mayor Hales as 1st signatory
• Hundreds of attendees at special Rose Festival Rozone event for WED
• Hundreds of attendees at finale WED event with presentations by First Lady of Oregon,
UNEP North America Director, City of Portland, Metro Regional Government and City of
Forest Grove leaders in addition to multi-media and musical performances.
• WED presence in major Rose Festival parades
• 3 visits from UNEP to Portland including presentations to Urban Ecosystem Research Con-
sortium, City Council (twice) Rozone event, Innovation Celebration, Foster Floodplain
Natural Areas celebration and WED kick-off, Sister City/Royal Rosarian event and multiple
site visits for UNEP of Portland highlights to share with the world
• Participation in WED by dozens of groups including:
Travel Portland, Rose Festival, First Stop Portland, Portland Community College, Royal
Rosarians, Portland State University, Port of Portland, University of Oregon, Wisdom of
the Elders, Intertwine Alliance, Portland Audubon, NOAA, PNCA, St. Vincent de Paul,
City of Portland Bureaus of Transportation, Parks and Recreation, Planning and Sustain-
ability, Development Services, Office of Healthy Working Rivers and Portland Bureau
of Environmental Services, Portland Farmers Market, Climate Solutions, Hands on
Greater Portland and so many more.
Results
Thanks Portland!
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Appendix A
Appendix A: Full Text Mayor Hales’
Speech June 5, 2013 for World Environ-
ment Day as it appeared in Sustainable
Business Oregon on Wednesday, June 5,
2013.
http://sustainablebusinessoregon.com/
articles/2013/06/wed2013-hales-calls-
for.html?page=all
World Environment Day Event, Media and Coordination Activity Report l 37
Mayoral Speech World Environment Day June 5, 2013
Ladies and gentlemen. Portlanders and visitors. Welcome to the 2013 North American World
Environment Day.
I want to welcome representatives of the United Nations Environment Programme.
When we welcome people to Portland, it’s good to remind them, and ourselves, that Portland
is not here – in this exact spot – by accident. This spot drew civilization to it. This spot is the
confluence of two great river systems: The mighty Columbia, which has a drainage basin
roughly the size of France. And the Willamette River, one of the few northward-flowing rivers
in the Northern Hemisphere, and home to some of the most amazingly fertile farmlands in all
the world.
This spot is a confluence of rivers. And a confluence of civilizations. Indigenous peoples flowed
into this region as early as 10,000 years ago. Not quite 200 years ago, Europeans began arriv-
ing here. Economically, Portland – and Oregon, and the Northwest – draw nearly as much in-
fluence from the Pacific Rim, and from Asia, as they do from Europe.
This is a confluence of time, as well. Portland is the event horizon between an agrarian history
and the industrial revolution. Between shopkeepers and data-miners. Where we build big
things, like barges and streetcars, and the smallest of things, like nano-technologies. This is
where the silicon forest abuts old-growth forests.
A confluence of rivers. A confluence of time. And a confluence of purpose. One of the great
lessons Portland has learned and shared has been the ideal that doing the right thing actually
makes our lives a bit better. Here we do the right thing not simply because it’s right, but be-
cause it improves our quality of life.
Increasing our tree canopy allows us to breathe better. Composting lowers our garbage bill.
Stormwater management on our streets makes our roads safer. It’s THIS notion that propels
us into a boundless future aimed at raising our collective quality of life…and oh yeah, helping
to protect our planet.
Portland is the place where, the lessons we learned as stewards of our environment in the
20th century, will guide our hands as stewards of the environment in the 21st century.
This city, and our most-unusual form of government, can and must help lead by example.
(Continued on page 38)
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Mayoral Speech World Environment Day June 5, 2013
As Mayor of Portland, I pledge that we will act locally and share globally, working with our City
Council and our City Bureaus to take concrete steps that produce real and lasting results for
our citizens and evidence-based research for our friends throughout the World.
National and international policy is catching up with science. And as it does, it becomes more
practical and more cost-effective to begin to diversify our power and begin the journey away
from reliance on fossil fuels. I want Portland not just to be ready, but to be at the forefront.
There are several steps we can take.
First, while I’m proud that our City holds no direct fossil fuel assets in our financial investment
portfolio, it’s not enough.
The City must urge the Oregon State Treasurer, the Local Government Investment Pool and
the Oregon Investment Council to divest of all state holdings in fossil fuel.
Why take this seemingly risky investment strategy? Because NOT doing it is the truly risky
move.
The vast majority of fossil fuel assets are owned by 200 publicly traded companies. Eventually,
these companies will burn through their entire reserves. We don’t know when that will
happen, but by definition, we know that it must.
When that day comes, shares in these companies will lose most of their value. By divesting
from the 200 largest fossil fuel companies, Portland can eliminate the risk to its own financial
future. We must act before the carbon bubble bursts. And we must send the signal to the
market that such investments are risky.
By acting locally, we can send a message to the world that investment in fossil fuels is a losing
proposition, and that loosening our dependence on fossil fuels will increase our quality of life.
Second, I pledge that the City will begin implementation of the resolution passed last year
instructing the City to buy 100 percent renewables. Likewise, we will work with our utility
partners to reduce reliance on coal and natural gas to generate the electricity that serves all
Portland residents and businesses. We can and will lead by example.
Third, the City must move forward aggressively on the city’s 2009 Climate Action Plan. The
plan sets a goal of reducing emissions from City operations to 50 percent of 1990 levels, and
doing so by the year 2030. This month, I issued a set of instructions and challenges to our City
Council, and to our City Bureaus. One challenge calls for each bureau to further reduce its
World Environment Day Event, Media and Coordination Activity Report l 39
Mayoral Speech World Environment Day June 5, 2013
energy use by two percent each year. By pairing energy efficiency with renewable power, we
will achieve our 50 percent carbon reduction goal for City operations. Again, we can and we
will lead by example.
Each of these three will reduce our carbon footprint and increase our quality of life. But it’s
still not enough. We here in Portland pride ourselves on our innovative transportation policies.
Our emphasis on active transportation has been studied the world over- but that’s not why
we’ve invested in it- active transportation is part of our high quality of life. And oh yeah, it’s a
predominant piece of our carbon reduction strategy. I pledge that within 10 years, the bike
will be the preferred mode of transportation for all trips under three miles in Portland. Talk
about a marriage of doing the right thing and a high quality of life!
In order for that to become reality, we must take care of our infrastructure. By now most
Portlanders have heard that I’m dedicated to repairing our streets- that whether you ride four
wheels, two wheels or even one wheel, you need flat, smooth surfaces to roll on. As we’ve
shown that our water and sewer-based infrastructure can be done more cost effectively when
it’s done more environmentally, there is no reason that the caretaking of our transportation
infrastructure can’t also be the caretaking of our planet. I pledge to you that I and the Council
will identify new revenue that will allow us to turn every street in Portland into a Complete
Street- a street with pervious surfaces, with stormwater collection, with street trees, and with
sidewalks- within the next 20 years.
Each of these steps- divestment from fossil fuels and reliance on renewable energy, reducing
City government’s carbon footprint, reaching new active transportation highs and building our
infrastructure in smart ways, will increase the quality of life of our citizenry. And it will make
Portland more resilient.
“Resilient.”
Think about that word for a moment. It’s from the Latin. It means to Spring Back. To Spring
Back into Shape.
Portland, and Oregon, and the Northwest, and the world, have been struggling for too long to
Spring Back Into Shape, following the Great Recession and long, slow, jobless recovery. But we
have learned some great lessons as our economy springs back. Now we must take those
lessons and apply them to this confluence of time.
I am proud to announce that, in August of this year, Portland will apply to the Rockefeller
Foundation 100 Resilient Cities Centennial Challenge.
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The Challenge is a competition designed to help prepare cities for catastrophic events, like
Super Storm Sandy, or the devastating tornado we recently witnessed in Oklahoma. Or “The
Big One” – the mega-quake that scientists warn us have assailed this sector of the globe
throughout eons. And will again.
With more than 75 percent of people expected to be living in cities by 2050, and with 730,000
people expected to be living in Portland by 2030, it’s no longer a “what if” question but a
question of “when.”
I will direct Portland City bureaus to combine efforts and apply to the Rockefeller Foundation
to compete for membership in the worldwide 100 Resilient Cities Network, which comes with
it support for hiring a Chief Resiliency Office and resources to create and implement a
resilience plan.
By applying for the Rockefeller Challenge, Portland will not only benefit, we’ll be able to share
our experience and expertise with our friends throughout the world while learning other best
practices and innovations.
Sharing globally and implementing locally. By embracing this philosophy, through global com-
munication and citywide action, we will all be better equipped to emerge even stronger
through the face of catastrophe.
This is not really anything new for Portland. Whether it’s through our pioneering work in green
infrastructure, or in climate preparedness, Portland has long been an incubator for
environmental policy. Not only can that not stop, but we must redouble our efforts to lead this
work into the future, sharing our grand experiments with the world.
Take the confluence of these two great rivers, the Willamette and the Columbia.
In 2004, the Portland Park System became the first Salmon-Safe certified system in the nation.
Let me repeat that: The first such system in the nation, signifying our success and dedication in
reducing impacts on water quality and fish habitat from park operation and maintenance.
Last year, our Parks Bureau won recertification from the Salmon-Safe program. We are proud
of that. But it’s not enough.
As another challenge to our City Council and City Bureaus, I have asked that EACH service-
delivery bureau in the city seek and achieve Salmon-Safe certification within the next two
years.
I ask each service-delivery bureau to work with the Salmon-Safe team to evaluate their impact
Mayoral Speech World Environment Day June 5, 2013
World Environment Day Event, Media and Coordination Activity Report l 41
on habitat and water quality. Through determination and collaboration, our City can ensure
that every practice we take is done with the least amount of harm to our natural environment,
and by doing so, an uptick in the quality of our lives. And as we implement this locally, we will
gladly share the results globally, through our friends in the United Nations Environment
Programme.
Portland is a proud member of the Intertwine Alliance. That is a coalition of 80 organizations
sharing a common interest in improving health, creating jobs, reducing costs, expanding trans-
portation networks, fostering learning and keeping our air and water clean.
The Intertwine has issued a challenge to residents and regional leaders alike. As Mayor, I
accept the Intertwine Challenge.
Portland will work to increase the percentage of storm water managed through green
infrastructure.
Portland will work to find a permanent funding source to protect our natural area
investments.
And Portland will continue to invest in our plan to increase our tree canopy.
Our City will lead by example and I, in turn, challenge our residents, our regional partners, and
the rest of the world to live and act with these goals in mind. And to work even harder with
your citizens to demonstrate that doing the right thing isn’t asking them to take cod liver oil-
it’s asking them to do things they want to do- things that make their daily lives just a bit
better.
More than anything, though, on this World Environment Day, in THIS confluence of time, I
want to talk about the thread that knits together the fabric that is Portland. It’s not unique to
us. It binds most towns, cities, states and countries together.
Our rivers.
I stand before you this morning with two responsibilities to our rivers. One is to clean them up.
But again, I’m not unique in that. Mayors before me, and governors, and the state and federal
governments, have put their shoulders to the wheel, and have worked for clean rivers.
Hard work has come before, and more hard work is needed now. We are just at the starting
point of cleaning up our crown jewel. I’m honored to begin that clean up immediately and
vociferously.
Mayoral Speech World Environment Day June 5, 2013
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But as mayor, my second responsibility is helping to guide the vision of what our rivers WILL
BE.
It’s not enough to stand before you proclaiming that we will have clean rivers. We will, and
soon.
What is critical is what we do with those rivers. What we do to keep them clean. What we do
to bring our fish back.
What we do to connect our people back to them. What we do to safely and responsibly
create access to them.
And most importantly, what we do to embody the spirit and wisdom of our First People, to
steward these rivers for our future generations.
We can’t wait for years of planning and vision. We must incorporate the plans and visions that
came before us.
These questions can’t wait for the rivers to be clean.
These are the questions that I will work with our City Council, our citizens, our partners, and
our friends around the world to answer … and to implement.
We WILL restore the prominence of our rivers into the fabric of our everyday lives and we will
do so responsibly.
We have to. We stand at the confluence of two great rivers, the confluence many great
societies and economies, and the confluence of time.
The Roman Emperor, Marcus Aurelius said time is a sort of river of passing events, and strong
is its current. No sooner is a thing brought to sight, he said, than it is swept by and another
takes its place, and this too will be swept away.
These are OUR rivers. This is OUR time. Thank you to the United Nations Environment
Programme.
Thank you to our many visitors. And welcome to the 2013 North American World Environ-
ment Day.
Mayoral Speech World Environment Day June 5, 2013
World Environment Day Event, Media and Coordination Activity Report l 43
Appendix B: World Environment Day Media
Print/electronic publications
February 8, 2013 By Steve Law
Portland Tribune: Rose City Named World Environment Day Host
February 11, 2013 By Kristian Fodel-Ventzel
OPB: Portland to Host United Nations Conference on the Environment
February 13, 2013 By: Cassandra Profita
OPB: Portland to Host World Environment Day
February 13, 2013 By The Oregonian
Oregonian: Portland Will Host North American World Environment Day June 5
June 3, 2013 By Steve Law
Portland Tribune: Portland takes center stage for World Environment Day
June 4, 2013 By Cassandra Profita
OPB News: Portland Hosts World Environment Day For All Of North America
June 4, 2013 By Andy Giegerich
Sustainable Business Oregon: It's World Environment Day. Where are Portland's parties?
June 5, 2013 By Steve Law
Portland Tribune: Hales says state should end fossil fuel investments
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June 5, 2013
By Andy Giegerich
Sustainable Business Oregon: Hales Calls on State to Divest Fossil Fuel Holdings
June 5, 2013 By Aaron Mesh
Willamette Week: Hales Calls on City Hall to "Bring Our Fish Back"
June 5, 2013 By Andy Giegerich
Sustainable Business Oregon: With Portland Backdrop U.N. Launches Anti-Food Waste Pro-
gram
June 6, 2013 By Rob Mannning
Oregon Public Broadcasting: Portland Among 4 Cities Noted by UN’s World Environment Day
June 6, 2013 By Bruce Poinsette
The Skanner: Dr. Mae Jemison Holds Environmental Workshop with Portland Students
June 11, 2013 By Becca Stanek
Oregonian: Astronaut Mae Jemison Teaches Students How to Save the Environment
June 13, 2013 By Jennifer Anderson
Portland Tribune: Students See Green as World Environment Day Ideas Grow
July 9, 2013 Catholic Sentinel: UN Delegate Visits St. Vincent de Paul
Television
April 25, 2013, May 31, 2013 and June 1, 2013 and archived on website
KPTV Rose Festival-World Environment Day vignette
Appendix B: World Environment Day Media
World Environment Day Event, Media and Coordination Activity Report l 45
Radio
February 13, 2013 KEX Radio: The World Will Come to Portland June 5
(rebroadcast of February 13 City Council session)
May 26, 2013 - 25 minute interview aired on: Jim McClaren host Metroscope Radio interview with Mike Wetter, Executive Director Intertwine Alliance and Marilyn Clint, Operations Manager, Rose Festival
June 5, 2013 Radio Disney: Radio Disney Team Green at World Environment Day
Social media (selected highlights)
February 13, 2013 Mayor Hales webpage: World Environment Day
May 2, 2013 NW Kids Magazine: Rosezone Rally
June 5, 2013 Oregon Public Broadcasting Facebook Page: OPB Storybooth at the Rozone
June 11, 2013 By Bobby Hayden Climate Solutions: Highlights from World Environment Day in Portland
April 25 – June 5, 2013 The Intertwine Alliance: World Environment Day: 45 Day of Success
June 5, 2013 350.org: Portland’s in!
Appendix B: World Environment Day Media