Dezmond Remington, EcoNews Intern
350 Humboldt activists on Highway 101 raising awareness about sea level rise. Photos by Dezmond Remington.
They wore inner tubes and life jackets, set up rowboats, and wielded oars. This group of about a dozen wasn’t setting up for a nice day out on the river; they were gearing up to warn several hundred motorists about sea level rise on the very strip of road they were driving on.
About a dozen activists from 350 Humboldt showed up to raise awareness about sea level rise along Highway 101 near Loleta on October 26. The activists held up signs with a few words on each of them to spell out: “In 30 years, this road will be underwater. Tides will rise on Highway 101.”
The spot they chose, next to Hookton Road south of Eureka, was picked by 350 Humboldt because it’s likely to be one of the first spots along the highway to be covered by sea level rise. Though a depressing topic, organizer Wendy Ring said she thought the water apparel would add a little bit of levity, as well as make the threat immediately apparent.
“Climate change is the biggest threat to humanity and the whole planet,” Ring said. “It’s fun to do something about it. Getting together with other people to do something about it is good for your spirits.”
Ring hoped that the aquatic outfits would present climate issues in a way that really resonated with people who’d probably only get to see them for a few seconds.
“[I hope they get] a sense of urgency,” Ring said. “Climate change isn’t a far-off threat for our kids. It will affect people a lot sooner than we think. This is a way of making it graphic and local.”
Reaction from passing drivers was mostly positive; activist Daniel Chandler said his final count was 38 waves or honks to only two middle fingers, though he hopes that the demonstration helped people realize the finite lifespan of the highway.
Every activist had their own reasons for showing up, but one demonstrator, Emily Siegal of King Salmon, has a very personal connection with the ocean rising. Siegal said she didn’t know how long she could live in her house. Water often pours into the street in the winter.
“I’m older,” Seigal said. “I keep hoping it’s after I’m dead. It might get worse. I try to enjoy the beach and the bay as much as I can, while I can. I hope that people start thinking about what’s happening and contact their elected officials…I’m trying to raise awareness. It could happen right here where you go back home from work every day.”
To get involved in local climate action, visit 350 Humboldt at www.world.350.org/humboldt.