With a name similar to that of a superhero powergroup, Climate Justice League aims to better our environment and community. Their past campaigns include Save the Elliot State Forest and the Green Guide, which promoted sustainability education for admitted students at the University of Oregon. Current campaigns include the Climate Action Plan (CAP) and the Food Justice campaign. 

The Climate Justice League has meetings on Tuesdays at 6 p.m. in Mckenzie 240A and hosts its own podcast, Climate Justice Network Podcast, which can be accessed wherever you get your podcasts. Their dynamic is non-hierarchical, welcoming and easily accessible. 

The Climate Justice League can be found tabling outside of the Erb Memorial Union frequently. They provide information on ways for students to get involved with their campaigns, which often have direct effects on student life. 

Amplification is at the forefront of any campaign agenda, and the Climate Justice League executes this tactic gracefully. In addition to their routine presence outside of the EMU, the Climate Justice League hosts rallies and events for their causes. 

“I really like the Earth Day events that we do, it’s a community based event,” Kai Schrosk, campaign coordinator for the Climate Justice League and junior at UO, said. The Earth Day events are paired with music, speakers and tabling of community organizations. 

Upon attending the Rally to Electrify UO, a campaign for eliminating fossil fuel use on campus, it became evident the Climate Justice League is less of an organization and more of a movement. The rally on Oct. 24 was one of many events the Climate Justice League conducted to call for local change. 

“I feel like I can do something about the climate crisis and have the ability to make the future better,” Schrosk said. 

While bettering the environment, members better the lives of their peers. “It’s [Climate Justice League] been a place for personal growth and also skill building at the same time,” Schrosk said.

J. Valentine Bentz, Climate Justice League campaign coordinator and junior at UO, is focused on their newest project, the Food Justice Campaign. The campaign aims to increase food accessibility on campus by increasing student SNAP food benefit acceptance and pairing with like-minded organizations such as the Young Democratic Socialists of America and 350 Eugene to increase power. 

The Climate Justice League mirrors our climate: everchanging. “It’s a huge challenge to start a new campaign,” Bentz said. But the work is worth the pay-off, as past campaigns have been trailblazers for social change. Campaigns such as No LNG were successful, halting the amount of greenhouse gas emissions produced by the state. 

The Climate Justice League is a prime example of the power of numbers. “We have such a vibrant group,” Bentz said. Amplifying concerns about environmental and social issues gains attraction and in return, promises change.