Climate activists block part of Portland's Hawthorne Bridge

PORTLAND, Ore. – Protesters took over a portion of Portland’s Hawthorne Bridge Monday afternoon, demanding action to address climate change.

The group “Extinction Rebellion" says they have 3 main demands.

They want Portland to have net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2025, a Climate Emergency Declaration with new goals set for 2025 (instead of the current timetable of 2050),and a citizens assembly to help coordinate and plan these changes.

“A lot of people are suffering. A lot of us have had to stay in the house for the past ten days because of wildfires,” said protest organizer Will Regan. “There were several of us that were ready to get arrested, but the Portland Police didn’t want to escalate right now and we understand that. But in the future we are going to make it more difficult.”

Despite being prepared for arrest, protesters say they have a good relationship with Portland Police.