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Eugene Joins Cities Around The World Demanding Action On Climate Change

Desmond O'Boyle

As world leaders gather in Paris at the Global Climate Summit this week environmental activists around the world held rallies and marches asking political leaders to develop a comprehensive plan addressing climate change.

In downtown Eugene, Saturday, about 500 people gathered and marched to Alton Baker Park.

Credit Desmond O'Boyle
Environmentalists chanting before the march to Alton Baker Park in Eugene

Youth were asked to lead the procession to send the message "climate change will affect future generations." Hazel Van Ummersom and Avery McCrae are two of the plaintiff's in a lawsuit against the federal government demanding it take an active role to reduce its carbon footprint.

[Hazel Van Ummersom and Avery McCrae chanting]

Organizer Mary DeMocker says it isn't enough to do individual things to reduce a person's carbon footprint. People need to demand change from local and federal leaders.

DeMocker: "Congress is oil soaked and it's blocking every climate action that the people of the United States

Credit Desmond O'Boyle
A paper mache "Sun-Goddess" accompanies people as they march.

and the people of the world are asking for. And so we need to move from the local level up to the national and international level."

The march was organized by the group 350 Eugene, Our Children's Trust, and 350 South Eugene High School. A video of the activities was recorded and sent to delegates in Paris and Oregon Governor Kate Brown.

Credit Desmond O'Boyle

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