Portland is hosting World Environment Day for all of North America today. The city was chosen by the United Nations Environment Programme because of its leadership in sustainability, according to Elisabeth Guibaud-Cox, deputy director for UNEP in North America.
The main global event is being held in Mongolia, and the theme “Think. Eat. Save. – Reduce Your Foodprint” is focused on reducing food waste.
In Portland, you can see 50 winning paintings from the International Children’s Painting Competition from 8 am-8 pm at the Native American Student and Community Center at Portland State University. The paintings follow the theme: “Water: Where Does It Come From?” and will be on display through October 31.
At 9:30 am, the Portland City Council will vote on a proclamation of World Environment Day.
At 10:30 am, UNEP will release a report on global food waste at Portland City Hall, and a panel of local experts on food sustainability will discuss its implications.
At 11:30 am there will be a sidewalk procession led by a giant salmon and followed by a long blue river starting at the corner of SW Salmon and Naito Parkway. It’s open to anyone who wants to join.
At 2:30 pm there will be a screening of the film “Hotspots to Hopespots” at Roosevelt High School. The 13-minute film is a compilation of data visualizations illustrating human changes to the environment – including the shrinking hole in the ozone layer, the progression of Alberta Tar Sands development, black carbon hotspots from burning diesel and coal, carbon dioxide emissions, forest conservation and solar and wind farm development worldwide.
The screening is part of the “Food, Water and the Environment: What’s the Connection?” interactive workshop for Roosevelt High School students led by Dr. Mae Jemison, the first African-American astronaut. There will be another screening of the film at the World Environment Day closing event Thursday at 6 pm at the World Trade Center, 121 SW Salmon St. You can also check it out here.
From 3:30-6 pm, the Portland Rose Festival RoZone is hosting family-friendly events including a Procession of Species parade of people in animal costumes, mask-making, fly-tying lessons, and storytelling a giant salmon tent at the Salmon Springs Fountain (SW Salmon & Naito).