Action Alert from the Interfaith Climate Change Network
Capitol Switchboard: 1-888-909-8697
As the Senate returns from recess today, join religious leaders and people of faith in a "National Call-in day to Promote Climate Stewardship." Tomorrow, Wednesday, July 7th, please call your U.S. Senators, toll-free, and ask them to press Senate leadership to allow debate on the bi-partisan Climate Stewardship Act, and communicate the religious principles concerning action on global warming.
In doing this you will join a broad coalition of congregations, clergy, religious leaders and Nobel laureate scientists who have issued letters and statements in support of actions to reduce climate change now, while actions can still make a significant difference. (See below "A Religion and Science Plea: Support Climate Action.") Additionally, a nation-wide signature collection effort on a Senate letter has been underway in 45 states, and has garnered 1,000 U.S. clergy and religious leaders. You may want to review this letter for additional information before you make the call. Click here to view the letter.
TALKING POINTS
On the Scientific Consensus:
A U.S. National Academy of Sciences (NAS) study requested by President Bush in late 2001 supported the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change's finding, stating that, "Greenhouse gases are accumulating in the earth's atmosphere as a result of human activities, causing surface air temperatures and subsurface ocean temperatures to rise. Temperatures are, in fact, rising."
Scientists at the World Health Organization estimate that, worldwide, roughly 160,000 people already die every year from side-effects of global warming ranging from malaria to malnutrition, and that the numbers could almost double by 2020.
On the Religious Principles:
Let your Senators know that you are a person of faith, who believes that the following principles should guide our actions to reduce climate change:
Justice for all God's children Carbon dioxide pollution is contributing to global warming and carbon emissions must be significantly reduced so that we can protect all God's children from the resulting effects of global climate change. It is also a matter of justice for future generations who will be adversely affected by the harmful carbon pollution and other greenhouse gases that are being produced today.
Solidarity with people who live in poverty As people of faith, we want you to take seriously the threat of global warming to people around the world who are more dangerously affected by global climate change and who do not have the resources to adapt to the resulting realities.
Stewardship God instructed humans to care for all of God's creation, which sustains life on Earth, and is in danger due to global climate change.
And encourage your Senators to allow debate on global warming and on the merits of possible solutions to the global warming threat.
Make the call toll-free, Wednesday July 7th: 1-888-909-8697 (United States Capitol switchboard). A switchboard operator will connect you directly with the Senate office you request.
Capitol Switchboard: 1-888-909-8697
