A C T I O N A L E R T
PEOPLE’S CLIMATE COVENANT
"The fact is that climate is changing faster than our efforts to address it.
That must change ─and we’re not acting fast enough.”
President Barack Obama
September 2, 2015
"The fact is that climate is changing faster than our efforts to address it.
That must change ─and we’re not acting fast enough.”
President Barack Obama
September 2, 2015
Today we are announcing the release of The People’s Climate Covenant (PCC), outlining clear steps President Obama must take to avert an unnecessary tragedy: irreversible climate chaos.
Rarely have religion, science, and the moral conscience of society converged with such force as we are now witnessing in the climate crisis. In Laudato Si’, Pope Francis states unequivocally that “….every ecological approach needs to incorporate a social perspective which takes into account the fundamental rights of the poor and the underprivileged.” (93) We join Pope Francis in advocating for equitable and effective policies that take into account the needs of the frontline communities that suffer disproportionately from economic and environmental injustice.
The PCC, endorsed by a broad range of more than 125 faith leaders, scientists, environmental and labor organizations, academics and concerned individuals, sets the United States on the path of the ambitious measures required to halt the destruction of our planet in the face of a fast-closing window of opportunity.
Responding to calls for urgent action by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and major religious bodies to drastically reduce carbon emissions, the PCC provides a blueprint for the bold leadership that the US must exert at the United Nations Climate Summit in Paris this December.
Through a substantial increase to 40% over the 26-28% of 2005 levels pledged by the United States by 2025, The People’s Climate Covenant brings us in line with the targets mandated by science to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. In addition, it commits to humanitarian aid for impacted nations and communities and technical assistance in the systemic transitions necessary to ensure the survival of future generations and all of Creation as we know it.
We also call on the President to lead an “Energy Revolution” at home, a national campaign to impress upon the public the dire nature of the unprecedented threat before us and set forth the major reordering that must occur in our way of life. This is as much a practical as a moral imperative incumbent upon all in the face of the increase in deadly heat waves, persistent drought, massive flooding, wildfires and sea level rise.
Copies of the People’s Climate Covenant will be provided to the White House and to the Vatican Embassy so that, when the two leaders meet at the White House on September 23rd, President Obama will know that we, the American people, are up for the challenge, and Pope Francis will know that we are grateful and supportive of his leadership on climate.
Convinced that the global clamor to prevent the looming catastrophe ─if heeded─ can turn the tide, we invite all persons of good will to join us in the growing call to act with clarity, urgency, and courage.
9/10/15