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Indie Folk Musician and DC Climate Activist Vienna Teng Performs at the 20th Annual CCAN Polar Bear Plunge

Indie Folk Musician and DC Climate Activist Vienna Teng Performs at the 20th Annual CCAN Polar Bear Plunge

As Threats to Climate Progress Intensify, Hundreds of Activists Were Freezin’ for a Reason: Raise Funds for Critical Climate Campaigns

Takoma Park, MD – On Saturday, February 15, the Chesapeake Climate Action Network (CCAN) celebrated its 20th Annual CCAN Polar Bear Plunge to “Keep Winter Cold!” Hundreds of climate activists across the DMV region and beyond took icy plunges in backyards, local waterways, and even ice buckets, raising funds for urgently needed climate action in 2025 and sharing their experiences online. 

Photos and videos of CCAN’s 2025 Polar Bear Plungers can be found here: https://app.kululu.com/welcome/fzikog.

“Back in 2005, not many people had heard about climate change and we certainly weren’t feeling the impacts like we are today. In 2005 we were talking about future impacts from climate change. We hadn’t seen it as much as we do now,” said Anne Havemann, Deputy Director and General Counsel of the Chesapeake Climate Action Network, reflecting on the first CCAN Polar Bear Plunge for the Climate. “In 2025, we see climate change impacts all over the globe, in our backyards, and people understand what it is. We hope to make sure that people know that there are still solutions, all is not lost, and we’ll keep working to fight climate change.” 

Internationally acclaimed indie folk musician and DC climate activist Vienna Teng headlined the event with a stirring performance. Teng, known for her passionate and original musical style, lent her voice to this powerful cause emphasizing the need to act now. 

“Chesapeake Climate Action Network is near and dear to my heart because I spent 10 years working on climate and clean energy and sustainability professionally, and I got to see firsthand how important local groups like this are to implementing climate solutions all over the world,” said Vienna Teng, a D.C. based pianist, singer-songwriter, and climate activist. “There are just so many things that help to move everything forward, on a systemic level, that local groups like CCAN make possible.” 

The 20th CCAN Polar Bear Plunge comes at a critical time when global temperatures continue to rise, with 2024 being the warmest year on record. The World Meteorological Organization warns that record-breaking heat is likely to continue in 2025, further accelerating climate change. This event represented a powerful statement of community commitment to climate resilience.

CCAN’s NoVa New Leaf Action Team Plunge at a local creek. 

CCAN supporters, Kathy Ferger (left) and Lisa Keily (right) plunging to Keep Winter Cold!

“The current administration’s anti-climate stance makes people-powered climate action more crucial than ever. We’re deeply grateful that hundreds of individuals and groups continue to demonstrate their unwavering support for climate action through events like our Polar Bear Plunge. This grassroots momentum is essential to drive the changes we desperately need,” said Mike Tidwell, Executive Director of the Chesapeake Climate Action Network. 

CCAN’s 2025 Polar Bear Plunge sponsors included: Beanetics Coffee Roasters, Climate Action Campaign, Motorkat, Zinnia, Takoma Bev Co., US Wind, MAREC Action, Evergreen Action, and EDF Renewables. 

The event, traditionally held at the Potomac River, pivoted to a virtual format following the recent plane crash. Participants observed a solemn moment of silence for the lives lost before commencing their chilly demonstrations of commitment to environmental protection.

This year’s plunge has so far raised more than $162,000 in funds that will be used to fight the harmful effects of climate change in D.C., Maryland, Virginia, and across the United States. For more information, visit our site: www.keepwintercold.org. 

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Chesapeake Climate Action Network is the first grassroots organization dedicated exclusively to raising awareness about the impacts and solutions associated with global warming in the Chesapeake Bay region. Founded in 2002, CCAN has been at the center of the fight for clean energy and wise climate policy in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, DC.