Youth are Calling for Change -- in the Form of Climate Solutions

Students across this nation are calling for change. And not only the type that Sen. Obama has to offer. Nope, we're calling for aggressive solutions to the climate crisis in order to move this country from fossil-fueled dependency to a green energy economy. Which, by the way, Mr. Obama, clean coal will not do.

Here in the Northwest, there are young people are taking the opportunity that global warming presents to build groups, networks, and coalitions and work toward a sustainable, just, and prosperous future for all. We are on the ground, putting our money where our mouth is. Whitman College is raising money to put up a large solar array on campus. Oregon State University and Southern Oregon University are running local food campaigns to lessen their food's carbon footprint and support local farmers. University of Washington is working with their administration to reduce the impacts of their campus power plant. And this is just a small handful of the flurry of activity which is happening. For more information on how young people in the Northwest are contributing to the youth climate movement, check out the website of the Cascade Climate Network, a network of 20 colleges and universities in Washington and Oregon collaborating knowledge, skill, and political geographic breadth to win victories across this region.

Pacific University students are tackling a unique corporate campaign -- they are publicizing the fact that the international corporation Intel regularly lobbies in the state of Oregon against global warming or sustainable energy legislation. Intel has worked hard to develop its green image, publicizing its successes developing green technologies that save more energy and local community initiatives. However, their local lobbying practices fly in the face of this green ethic. Students at Pacific have strategically formed a game-plan to share with the local community that Intel is not the ethical steward they claim. Pacific University is located in Washington Co near Intel's Oregon headquarters and is primely placed to carry forth this effort. Look for them on campus and out in the community pressuring Intel to do the right thing, and support global warming state legislation in our beautiful state of Oregon.

Jenny Bedell-Stiles
NW Regional Organizer
Sierra Student Coalition