Climate Justice

The climate crisis has amplified the historic and present-day inequities experienced by our communities, which will only worsen if action is not taken. Unite Oregon is committed to climate adaptation strategies that mitigate the effects of climate change on vulnerable Oregonians. We work within our communities to provide resources and opportunities for wealth-building to historically excluded communities.

Current Projects

Unite Oregon is fighting to mitigate the impacts of the climate crisis on our communities and implement policies to address the causes of climate change.

• Climate Justice Listening Tour: In partnership with Oregon Just Transition Alliance and Participatory Budgeting Oregon, Unite Oregon is conducting a statewide listening tour, focusing on frontline and fenceline communities, about the development of an Oregon Environmental Justice mapping tool. These sessions will educate and gather the concerns and needs of our communities regarding climate and environmental hazards.

• East Portland Community Garden: Our PILOT leadership development cohort launched a community garden project in East Portland to promote food sovereignty, retain indigenous sustainability practices, and provide entrepreneurial opportunities for immigrants/refugees to grow, produce, and sell food to generate income.

• Emergency Preparedness & Wellness: In 2020, our communities were heavily impacted by wildfires. Many did not receive alerts about the incoming fires and were forced to flee their homes without notice. Often, our communities don’t have access to aid programs because of their immigration status or distrust of institutions due to experiences of racism. Partnering with Beyond Toxics, our Rogue Valley chapter is supporting community members prepare for future climate disasters. This project is community-led/created to address urgent community needs - namely, the need for emergency preparedness, and growing concern over the negative health impacts of wildfires.

• Clackamas Climate Justice Leaders: Unite Oregon has launched a leadership development program that will build immigrant, refugee, and BIPOC capacity to inform decisions across Metro’s garbage and recycling system. The program will focus on empowering, educating, and activating historically marginalized communities in Clackamas County through knowledge and skill-building in the garbage and recycling sector.