Sweat Equity: Service In An Era of Extreme Climate Events

This weekend is Side with Love’s first ever Climate Justice Revival, with the theme Reimaging Together, From an Extractive Age to a New Era. Most area congregations, including Eastrose, are acknowledging this day, and expect to follow up with a variety of trainings and actions over the coming months. 

Watch the service HERE. At this week’s Service, we will be hearing guest speaker Dr. Vivek Shandas, of PSU’s School of Urban Planning. He’s the scientist who measured and raised the alarm about the stark differences in temperatures between poorer, less shaded neighborhoods and wealthier, shadier places right here in Portland – he took these measurements outside during the actual heat dome in 2021. His findings have raised concern around the world. Poor neighborhoods had temperatures up to 20 degrees higher than wealthier areas.

Professor Vivek Shandas presenting, with Worship Leader Eric Tschuy. Music from Barbara Stevens, and a Time for all Ages from Tara Toler. Discussion after the service, as time allows. At 12pm, there will be a further discussion for Eastrose friends and members about what Eastrose has done so far, what do we stand for, and where do we want to go from here in the continuing struggle to promote environmental justice.

Vivek’s commitment to service comes from his deep faith in humans as caretakers of the planet, a recognition that coping capacities to environmental changes varies by community, and a passion for supporting each other during times of transition. As a Professor of Geography at Portland State University he aims to identify the critical needs for building verdant, sustainable, and equitable neighborhoods. His work has been featured in the NYTimes, National Geographic, Scientific American, Times of India, Le Monde, Volkskrant, CNN, Cosmos, and dozens of other media outlets. During his spare time, Vivek serves as a technical advisor to several organizations, including on the National Urban and Community Forestry Advisory Council and Metro’s Bond Oversight Committee, and revels in the mountains and waters of the Pacific Northwest.

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