PRESS RELEASE: Sunrise PDX Hosted Teach-In Urging Senator Wyden to Call for Climate Emergency Declaration

The youth-led climate justice organization disappointed in lack of action from the Senator

Portland, Oregon – Sunrise PDX, a local climate justice organization working towards a Green New Deal, held a teach-in to demand Oregon Senator Ron Wyden support Green New Deal legislation in Congress. This teach-in joined hundreds of youth-led actions across the nation demanding swift and decisive action from elected officials.

Sunrise PDX Organizer Rohan Buggana sharing personal experience with the climate crisis

“Wyden is failing to be an ally for the younger generations,” explains Sophie Goodwin-Rice, Co-hub Coordinator of Sunrise PDX. “We need him to address the climate crisis like his life depends on it, because our lives depend on it.”

Sunrise organizers from across Portland met outside the office of Senator Wyden to share personal stories of the climate crisis, sing songs, and learn about a climate emergency declaration. If enacted, a climate emergency declaration would give President Biden substantial powers to respond to climate disasters and deny fossil fuel permits. Sitting on carpets and cushions, participants also learned about Senator Wyden’s lack of support for Green New Deal policies nor a permanent ceasefire in Palestine.

Sunrise PDX Organizer Sophie Goodwin-Rice explaining purpose of a climate emergency declaration

“We’re seeing climate disasters happen at alarming rates, I’ll never be able to pay off my student debts, and I don’t know about you but the rent is too damn high.” recounts Jacob Apenes, Outreach Co-lead. “We know we can fix all of these issues if we weren’t sending guided missiles to bomb children in Palestine.”

Participants left energized to continue organizing for climate justice. Sunrise PDX plans to continue their pressure on Senator Wyden as they ramp up actions leading into the November General Election.