If you live in the United States, you have an opportunity to be a voice for the poor globally in terms of dealing with the effects of climate change.The US House of Representatives is considering the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009. In fact, they may vote on it as soon as Friday. This bill puts a real cap on the pollution that contributes to global warming and promotes a sound economic strategy for the future.
What it doesn't do - yet - is help the poor and vulnerable people in the developing nations adapt to the climate change caused by our activities in the developed world. People living in poverty contribute least to climate change, yet are more likely to suffer its negative effects. They also have fewer resources to adapt and respond.
Take two minutes to write to Congress today. Ask your represenative to include additional funding for international adaptation. Be a voice for the poor in developing nations!
Visit IPJC's Legislative Action Center to send your e-mail ... it's super easy!
2 comments:
Susan -
Could you please be more specific about the measures needed to help poor countries adopt to climate change. The send-in form might make us feel better, but it doesn't list the ways we can help others. Where are the teeth?
Ave,
This bit from the US Bishop's June 22nd letter to Congres might fill in the gaps a bit:
We urge that as the legislation moves forward both in the House and in the Senate, the amount allocated to international adaptation be increased significantly at the outset and at a faster pace over time. These
increases would help meet the initial needs of people living in poverty in the most vulnerable developing nations. Expanded resources would also send a strong message of the U.S. commitment to securing a
global treaty by providing a substantial down payment for international adaptation funding.
Catholic Relief Services is already experiencing the tragic consequences of climate change in the lives of people living in poverty. CRS, through its work in over 100 countries, is helping communities adapt to
the consequences of climate change and mitigate its effects through health, agriculture, water, and emergency preparedness programs. Pope Benedict XVI in his 2008 World Youth Day address also drew
attention to some of the dangers of climate change currently facing vulnerable nations, including “island nations whose very existence is threatened by rising water levels” and other “nations suffering the effects
of devastating drought."
As the legislative process moves forward, we look forward to working with Congress and the Administration to increase funding for international adaptation assistance and taking a major step toward
caring for creation and protecting “the least of these.”
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