Amber X. Chen

Amber X. Chen is a 2024 Puffin student writing fellow focusing on climate change for The Nation. She is a sophomore at UC Berkeley. Her writing has also appeared in The Guardian, Atmos Magazine, Los Angeles Public Press, Teen Vogue, the Los Angeles Times, and The Philadelphia Inquirer.

The Eaton fire in the Altadena area of Los Angeles County, California on January 8, 2025.

How the Wildfires Could Reshape the Climate Movement in California How the Wildfires Could Reshape the Climate Movement in California

As the city debates how it can best address the impacts of increasingly devastating natural disasters, organizers hope to seize the moment.

Jan 28, 2025 / StudentNation / Amber X. Chen and Maggie Grether

The Chinatown Friendship Gate in Philadelphia.

The “Save Chinatown” Coalition Goes on the Defensive in Philadelphia The “Save Chinatown” Coalition Goes on the Defensive in Philadelphia

The construction of a new basketball arena threatens to fill the neighborhood with more traffic and raise rents.

Dec 12, 2024 / StudentNation / Amber X. Chen and Lucy Tobier

Donald Trump participates in a roundtable discussion with former Republican representative from New York Lee Zeldin.

Why Trump Picked Lee Zeldin to Lead the Environmental Protection Agency Why Trump Picked Lee Zeldin to Lead the Environmental Protection Agency

With a Republican majority in Congress and Zeldin promising to “deregulate” the EPA, the new Trump administration will prioritize fossil fuel interests over environmental protecti...

Nov 18, 2024 / StudentNation / Amber X. Chen

The Future of Rent Control Is on the Ballot in California

The Future of Rent Control Is on the Ballot in California The Future of Rent Control Is on the Ballot in California

Proposition 33 could overturn the controversial Costa-Hawkins Rental Housing Act, which has limited rent control policies in the state for decades.

Oct 21, 2024 / StudentNation / Amber X. Chen and Maggie Grether

A Philly Thrive protest at the auctioning of the Philadelphia Energy Solutions refinery in New York City.

Will the Closure of an Oil Refinery Bring Justice or Gentrification to Philadelphia? Will the Closure of an Oil Refinery Bring Justice or Gentrification to Philadelphia?

Four years after the largest oil refinery on the East Coast shut down, residents in South and Southwest Philadelphia still don’t know what will come next.

Sep 16, 2024 / StudentNation / Amber X. Chen

Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris during the debate at the National Constitution Center on September 10, 2024.

Kamala Harris Doesn’t Need to Backtrack on Fracking Kamala Harris Doesn’t Need to Backtrack on Fracking

In 2019, Harris said that there was “no question” that she would pursue a federal ban on fracking. In 2024, she’s taken a different—and unnecessary—stance.

Sep 12, 2024 / StudentNation / Amber X. Chen

Oak Grove Power Plant

The Supreme Court Just Pushed Environmental Justice Even Further Aside The Supreme Court Just Pushed Environmental Justice Even Further Aside

The recently paused “good neighbor” rule was the Environmental Protection Agency’s attempt at reducing interstate pollution by making those responsible pay for it.

Jul 4, 2024 / StudentNation / Amber X. Chen

University of California Worker strike

Why University of California Workers Stopped Their Historic Strike Why University of California Workers Stopped Their Historic Strike

Nearly 80 percent of participating union members voted in support of the strike on May 1, citing the repression of pro-Palestine protesters at UCLA, UCSD, and UCI.

Jun 14, 2024 / StudentNation / Amber X. Chen and Ella Carter-Klauschie

Student journalists at Columbia

Student Journalists Are Needed Now More Than Ever Student Journalists Are Needed Now More Than Ever

While the mainstream media repeatedly mischaracterizes pro-Palestine protests on campus, police and university administrations are attempting to repress the student press.

May 8, 2024 / StudentNation / Amber X. Chen

x