Voices of the Valley: Stories of How Climate Change is Affecting Our Lives will have its premiere screening celebrated at the November 28 SOCAN monthly meeting. Bubbly drinks and hors d’oeuvres will be served. Black tie optional!
Dan Bish struggles with what trees or native plants to stock and recommend in his Talent nursery business, Plant Oregon (https://www.plantoregon.com/pilot.asp?pg=about), as summers get hotter. For farm workers Maricela Ruelas and Juan Escareño, smoke has become a seasonal ordeal as they toil in the fields.
They are among a dozen Rogue Valley citizens who voice their concerns about climate change in a documentary film created by Southern Oregon Climate Action Now (SOCAN). The issues raised in the film range from concerns about the damage to forest resources and air quality from wildfires, impacts on health, safety and the local economy from severe storms, and steps each of us can take at home and in our communities to reduce the rate of climate change.
The documentary film, almost a year in the making, is part of Medford-based SOCAN’s focus on educating the public about climate change, a threat most scientists say is happening at a faster pace today because of human activity. Warming temperatures, more frequent and fiercer storms, and longer fire seasons are among the projected effects. For more information, visit SOCAN’s website: socan.eco/voices.
Lanita Witt and Suzanne Wilow being interviewed by Steve Dieffenbacher, video by Shannon Cornish with assistant Teddie Hight
From Left to Right: Translator Kathy Keesee with Maricela Ruelas and Juan Escareño (with Juan Escareño Jr.) – local Rogue Valley farm workers – interviewed by Steve Dieffenbacher
