UUA: Social Justice

Reduce Carbon Emissions 80% by 2050

Our world is in a state of ill health. Our temperature is rising; severe, unpredictable and unprecedented weather patterns are continually emerging; in the midst of a great extinction, species are disappearing from the earth each day; and the waters that lap up against our shores are gradually reaching further inland. For these troubling symptoms and the more tragic consequences yet to come, humankind, and our negligent stewardship, is responsible. And those who have been most negligent, the carbon producing and over-consuming countries, such as the US, more easily guard against those changes, while those in the developing world suffer disproportionately from changing weather patterns and rising sea levels.

As citizens of the largest carbon emissions producing country in the world, we have the opportunity to begin to heal our world. In both houses of Congress, legislation has been introduced that would dramatically reduce our nation's carbon emissions and help turn the tide on global warming. Take action here to support that legislation.

November 22, 2009

Subject:

Dear

As a person of faith, I am writing to affirm and promote respect for the interdependent web of life of which we are a part.  Both in the scientific community and in the news, there is overwhelming evidence of global climate change.  Ancient glaciers are melting, sea levels are rising, violent weather increases, and ecological systems are being disrupted.

Global climate change ultimately affects everyone, but I am particularly concerned that these changes disproportionately affect the poor and communities of color, some of whom have already been made “climate refugees.”  The devastation of the Gulf Coast following hurricanes Katrina and Rita bear witness to how these communities are more greatly impacted, as they have fewer financial resources to adapt.  In Alaska, native tribes are being forced to move as their towns sink in the melting permafrost.  And in the Pacific Islands, entire islands are being submerged in the rising Pacific.  Moreover, the United Nations predicts that over one billion people will be displaced by climate change, particularly by lack of fresh water.  These are people who contribute the least to global climate change but are the first to feel its effects.  We have a moral responsibility to them and to justice.

Lastly, as a person of peace, I am concerned that the massive displacement of peoples and the increasing scarcity of fresh water will lead to international conflict. Addressing global climate change is matter of a peace and security.

I urge you to enact legislation that would adequately reduce our carbon emissions to acceptable levels.  Only two bills meet the standards set forth by the scientific community.  I urge you to co-sponsor and support H.R. 1590 and S. 309.  It is time for the American people to come into right relations again, with our mother earth, other species, our fellow humans, and future generations.  This is a defining point in our history, and how we respond will make all the difference.  Please act now.

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