The Northwest Climate Justice Summit was held last weekend, with more than 130 students from all over the Northwest gathering to discuss the ongoing issue of climate change.

The Sierra Student Coalition (SCC) on campus organized the event, with the help of more than 30 other youth organizations that are a part of the Energy Action Coalition.

The weekend event featured a number of discussions on how to approach the changing climate and what students can do to help.

"The main goal of the summit was to unite students working on climate and energy issues around the Northwest and give them the skills to do so effectively," said Christina Billingsley, the campus organizer for the SSC and co-organizer for the summit.

Another main point of emphasis was getting students to take an active role in changing the future of energy and climate.

"An indigenous woman from Alaska talked with us about how global warming has already begun to have devastating impacts on her village," said Emily Liebeskind, a member of WashPIRG. "It is incredible that her village is being destroyed, yet we, the people who created the problem, are taking so long to act."

A highlight of the event was Sunday, when Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels gave a speech emphasizing the importance of uniting together to combat global warming.

Nickels explained that human habitat is being destroyed due to climate change, and people are moving away from the destroyed areas.

In a short amount of time, there will be a fight over land, all due to climate change.

In order to prevent a future event like this, "it's going to take action today," said Nickels. "Not in 50, or 60 or 80 years. So, what you're doing here this weekend is very important."

In addition to talking about future possibilities, Nickels suggested what students can do.

"What I want to ask you today to do is to help carry this word," he said. "The whole idea behind the U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement is that you start at the local level (local politicians, local citizens) and show that we can do this. We can achieve the reductions. We can do this without destroying our economy."

Liebeskind explained students can even do little things to help the situation.

"Students can take individual action by turning off lights and unplugging cell phone chargers when they are not being used," she said.

Billingsley pointed out students really are making a difference in the issue, and will continue to be of influence in the future.

"Students are pressuring policymakers both on campus and in our government to take immediate action to fight global warming," she said. "Across the nation students are passing clean energy legislation and pushing for fuel efficiency standards — and the great thing is that it is working."

Reach reporter Shannon O'Hara at news@thedaily.washington.edu.