On Friday, people around the world plan to march for environmental justice in the fourth climate strike of the year. Eugene strikers will be marching in opposition to a proposed liquefied natural gas pipeline in southwest Oregon.
The youth driven walkout is aimed at pushing leaders to do more to combat climate change.
Siena Polk is with Sunrise Eugene, which is helping to organize the event. They want Governor Kate Brown to oppose the Jordan Cove Pipeline, which they say would become Oregon's number one polluter.
“Things such as like the waterways—like we've seen with the Keystone pipeline—like they do leak," said Polk. "And they have pretty disastrous effects on the surrounding environment when that happens.”
According to the Jordan Cove Pipeline’s website, the project would provide 6,000 construction jobs and stimulate the Coos County economy.
Environmental activists have also been preparing for the march by participating in a hunger strike since Monday.
Jesse Hubbe is also with Sunrise Eugene. He said the week long hunger strike from 10 AM to 10 PM symbolizes the 10 years scientists’ claim the world has to lower carbon emissions by at least 45%.
“There's already people going hungry because of climate disasters," said Hubbe. "And so I think a lot of times we talk about it something in the future, but it's right now.”
Strikers will begin marching to the federal courthouse at noon. The rally will begin at 1PM, followed by a march to Eugene’s Free Speech Plaza.