Ruby Peterman, 16, This Morning at Lincoln Park, Portland Following Her Statement During a Press Conference. She’s a member of Maine Youth for Climate Justice.

Lee Chilsom, (sp?) of Friends School of Portland, at Today’sPress Conference.

The Group of Youth Climate Activists at Lincoln Park, Portland, Today.  Cassie Cain, 22,  Organizer of the Press Conference is at far left.

“The Juliana case is extremely important yet very few people are aware of it…Our government has been pushing for this case to not go to trial but the upcoming hearing on June 4th could change it all,” said Ruby Peterman, 16, at a press conference this morning at Lincoln Park.

Ruby went on to explain that the twenty-one (21) young people filed a lawsuit will present their argument to the Court of Appeals in Portland, Oregon about why this case should continue to trial rather than be dismissed.  The hearing could also decide if the government will cease creation of new federally-approved fossil fuel infrastructure in the US while the appeal is being heard, she added.  Today’s press conference was one of one hundred press conferences being held across the country between June 1st and June 4th in support of the lawsuit and to bring awareness of it to the public.

Cassie Cain, 22, of the Maine Youth Engagement Coordinator and  a MYCJ member as well, spoke about the importance of the case, organized today’s press conference.

Two other climate activists spoke at the press conference this morning.  Sarah Whitcomb,17, of Maine Branch of US Youth Climate Strikes spoke of what is next for MYCJ.  Briana  Holston, 17, SolaRISE Portland and a member of MYCJ read a statement sent in by Representative Chloe Maxim, 26, in support of youth climate work – a subject in which she has been invested since she was 12 years old.  Briana said:  “It’s hard to look forward when our planet is threatened.  When our president won’t protect us, the courts can.”

“Would any of you consider going into politics,” asked Lee Chilshom, a teacher at Friends School of Portland.  It was a subject that got good traction, but with no firm commitment from the four young women.

Like what Brown vs. Board of Education did for civil rights, Juliana vs. United States,  has the potential to become the landmark climate change case of our country’s history.

Each of the four speakers urged the public to livestream the hearing at 2:00 pm PST/on June 4th as a first step to get involved in climate change.