Youth in Eugene Are Turning Climate Anxiety Into Action
NAACP - AOWSACIn Eugene, Oregon, the climate crisis has a new face and it belongs to teenagers. Fueled by fear, frustration, and hope, local high school students are organizing walkouts, lobbying city council, and planting trees faster than some officials can write policy.
Groups like the Sunrise Movement Eugene Chapter are helping young people turn climate anxiety into community impact. Their focus includes pushing for citywide fossil fuel divestment, climate curriculum in public schools, and better public transportation options for low income neighborhoods.
“It’s about protecting our future,” says 17 year old Camila Reyes, who led a youth climate rally outside Eugene City Hall. “But it’s also about protecting people right now—our elders, our unhoused neighbors, our forests.”
Together, these youth organizers are proving climate work is not just for scientists and senators. It is for students with backpacks and bullhorns, ready to lead.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Sunrise Movement Eugene Chapter?
It is a youth led climate group that focuses on community action, education reform, and pushing local governments to adopt greener policies.
How are students in Eugene taking climate action?
They are organizing walkouts, leading rallies, pushing for public policy changes, and planting trees across the city.
Why do young people care about fossil fuel divestment?
They believe investing in clean energy instead of fossil fuels protects the environment and supports a livable future.
What role does public transportation play in climate justice?
Better access to clean and affordable transit reduces emissions and supports low income and frontline communities.
Is climate education part of the public school curriculum in Eugene?
Youth advocates are calling for it to be expanded so that all students understand the science, impacts, and solutions to climate change.
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