Maine Students for Climate Justice is holding a demonstration from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday behind the State House in Augusta. There will be a short march and speeches by Maine students to tell our state leaders that they want action to safeguard our future from climate disruption.

Between 500 and 1,000 students, as well as hundreds of family and community members are expected. Interested people are invited to attend to help change the political climate in Augusta.

Why demonstrate? Climate change is already hurting the health, safety and economic prosperity of Maine people, as well as damaging our ecosystems and natural resources. The children and young adults of Maine, and generations to come, will experience the worst impacts of climate change. This is an unjust burden. Our governor and some representatives fail to recognize the urgency of the climate crisis, and have resisted actions to safeguard our lives and livelihoods from climate disruption.

These Maine students are urging lawmakers to authorize no new fossil fuel infrastructure in Maine. New investments in fossil energy, such as oil and gas pipelines, will last for decades. Instead, we must make investments today that move us away from a fossil fuel-based economy before it’s too late.

These students are rising for:

• The health, safety and livelihoods of all Mainers.

• Solidarity with front-line communities that are experiencing the worst effects of climate change.

• Clean energy systems that Maine people choose and control in their own communities, creating good, lasting jobs for Maine workers.

• Improved weatherization and energy efficiency in homes and businesses.

• Affordable public transit.

• Climate change education for Maine students and the general public.

Richard Thomas, Waterville

Michelle Fournier, North Yarmouth

Editor’s note: The authors are members of 350 Maine members and are helping to organize the Generation Climate Rising event.

Copy the Story Link