The Sunrise Movement

by Soraya Vargas

Last Saturday, October 3rd, dozens of students gathered outside Einstein to write to younger voters in swing states hoping to motivate them to show up at the polls to vote out President Trump.

The Sunrise Movement is a student-led effort to fight for a healthy environment and future through non-violent activism. With many hubs across the country, each of their members are dedicated to building a cleaner future. “It is imperative that we implement a Green New Deal now and take aggressive action to reduce the impact climate change will have on our world,” said Norah Lesperance, the social media team leader for Einstein’s hub.

But why should we care about fixing the damage now? Because the EN has stated that by 2030 the destruction done to Earth by humans will be irreversible. According to statistics from The World Wildlife for Nature, sea levels could rise up to 1.8 feet, and intense heat waves will affect more than 2 billion people all over the planet. “It's a problem that hurts all of us,” said Lesperance, and she is right, unless we act now we will deeply regret it. Anyone would feel hopeless knowing that these predictions could be reality.

How can we help though? The Green New Deal, a congressional resolution supported by the Sunrise Movement and many Democrat officials, is a call to enforce the use of renewable and sustainable energy in every community regardless of income or racial background and lower carbon emissions to net zero. This plan would also create millions of needed jobs. Joe Biden promises that if elected he will see that this plan be put into action. Meanwhile, President Trump argues that the plan will only hurt the economy, particularly private companies he has ties with. Which is why voting against Trump in the upcoming elections is needed now more than ever. If you are not eligible to vote, one way that you can help out is by mobilizing undecided voters to show up at the polls or participating in movements such as Sunrise.

“Your small voice is never small to us,” said Lesperance, encouraging students who may feel unsure of how they can contribute. Sunrise is more than just a group of people who care for the earth’s well-being, they are also a community of members supporting one another and making sure everyone feels welcome.

Saving the earth is a battle that can only be won by motivated volunteers cooperating together, and as I sat outside, surrounded by dozens of other driven students to push voters to show up to the polls in November and vote out Trump, I also shared a light-hearted moment among friends. It is good to know that environmental activism doesn't have to be a solitary campaign.