The global warming crisis of this generation has, at long last, reached a point that does not allow for passivity. The time for action is now. Despite decades of debate, the climate crisis has become an aspect of our modern political culture. While many politicians and political pundits continue to discuss alternatives, a distinct group of students at the University have chosen a separate approach. Teaming with a nationwide movement known as “Step It Up,” these students are attempting to push University community involvement in creating solutions for this global dilemma. On Nov. 3, exactly one year prior to the 2008 election, several University students are teaming to “Step It Up” and bring attention to the global warming crisis. “Step It Up” is a national event demanding real leadership on global warming. Students are taking an active stance on the climate crisis issue and gathering collective energy to accomplish this goal. Several campuses nationwide will be hosting rallies in their communities. The focus of this event is to display the current political solutions, or lack there of, in dealing with global warming and the climate crisis. At the same time, “Step It Up” is a movement building a message of optimism.
When discussing an issue like global warming, it is common for individuals to feel powerless and limited to the role of an observer. This judgment will not stand. This stereotype has no bearing in the campus rally scheduled for Nov. 3. Instead, the “Step It Up” campaign at the University is promoting individual action in dealing with global warming. Students on campus are unaware that they can promote conservation and sustainability in every aspect of their daily lives. These steps include promoting bike culture, making conscious decisions involving energy usage and fossil fuel dependency, and reducing our overall footprint. Community participants will be asked to sign a pledge in adherence to climate change practices. Brought to you by activists of The Cascade Climate Network, the pledge emphasizes a “moral responsibility that…we must act boldly, decisively, and quickly to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and transition to a sustainable, just and prosperous future for all.”
Therefore, students of the University are encouraged to join the “Step It Up” campaign at the EMU amphitheater on Nov. 3. At noon, participants will create banners to prepare for their march to Autzen Stadium. Shortly after 1 p.m., the student and community participants will travel to Autzen Stadium and voice their concern for a crisis that is inherently linked with football: waste. Rather than mindlessly tossing out a recyclable cup or utensil, fans will hopefully be reminded of their obligation to combat the global warming crisis. In addition, student leaders of the “Step It Up” campaign want to remind fans of their individual impact on the environment and, most importantly, the significance of individual involvement in solving this climate crisis. Without a doubt, the student leaders of “Step It Up” have challenged the University community to meet the demands of a growing global movement to create sustainable solutions. At long last, this generation must meet the challenge set forth by the “Step It Up” event and begin to take personal accountability the issue at hand. The good fight is today.
Tara Burke is a student at the University