BOISE, ID -- On Monday, October 29th the Boise Climate Justice League hosted an advocacy art installation in support of 21 young people who are suing the U.S. Government for violating their right to a stable climate. At noon, student leaders gathered together with community members in front of the Ada County Courthouse as the event started with a speech from on of the leaders in the Climate Justice League who worked to organize the rally.
“Today we stand in solidarity with these 21 young people because the impacts of climate change affect each of us in distinct and devastating ways, especially in our beautiful Boise, Idaho” stated Rose Thompson, a Senior at Timberline High School. “ I have lived in Boise my entire life and watched this city change before my eyes in my sixteen short years. I know what is at stake: our water supply, our air, our snow. The beating heart of our beautiful city.”
The Climate Justice League chose Monday for the action because, after years of waiting, the highly anticipated trail was finally set to begin on October 29th in Oregon. However late last week Supreme Court issued a stay in suit which is an extremely rare, if not unprecedented move in response to a request from the Trump administration.
“These young people were supposed to have their day in court today but their hearing got delayed yet again because our government is afraid to take responsibility for the warming that plagues our planet,” said Rose. “This is why it is essential that we speak out today.”
After Rose’s speech, one by one the students stepped forward to install 21 pieces of art representing both the young folks in the lawsuit and 21 different ways climate will negatively impact all Idahoans. As the students placed the 21 pieces of art on a large board, they read aloud the different impacts the art piece represents for people throughout Idaho. From increased forest fires and incredibly polluted air to reduced snowpack and devastating volatility in our agricultural sector, the resounding message was dire.
In spite of these facts, apathetic Idaho leadership and the silencing of the 21 youth in the lawsuit, the students remained hopeful in their messaging at the event. They ended the action all together in a chant calling for climate action now and that Idaho’s student voices be heard by leaders throughout the state.
The leaders in the Climate Justice League plan to finish out their semester fellowship with the Sierra Club and some will travel down to a climate advocacy training with other young folks from all over the country. They will continue to watch as the trail moves forward and will find new ways to engage with Idaho’s students and leaders to keep the pressure on for local climate action.
If you or anyone you know is interested in joining the Climate Justice League, contact our conservation staff at casey.mattoon@sierraclub.org. To keep up with these amazing students and other local Sierra Club climates, sign up today to join the Idaho Chapter Sierra Club.
