Among the speakers at this weekend’s Public Interest Environmental Law Conference in Eugene is an attorney who represents 21 youths who are suing the federal government over climate change.
Julia Olson says she’s hopeful the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals will rule soon on whether the climate case can go to trial. She’s with Our Children’s Trust, which filed the federal suit and a handful of other climate lawsuits in several states and internationally on behalf of young people. Olson says the current activism around gun violence in schools is another example of how youth are challenging those in power who put their future in jeopardy.
“You know, we’re just seeing people again and again, rising up to try to safeguard their futures and it’s all very important work and we’re here to support those young people.”
Olson is the keynote speaker at the Environmental Law Conference Friday at the U of O in Eugene. She’ll share stories about the work she’s doing with young activists. Rachael McDonald KLCC news.