“Today perhaps more than in the past, people are realizing that they are linked together by a common destiny, which is to be constructed together, if catastrophe for all is to be avoided” - Pope John Paul II, Sollicitudo Rei Socialis, 26

TAKE ACTION!

Ensure Congressional leaders include international funding for vulnerable communities in climate legislation!

This week, as international negotiators meet in Bonn, Germany to attempt to come closer to agreement on the building blocks of a new global climate agreement, leaders in Congress are also working diligently to draft domestic U.S. climate legislation. Their work could help frame a strong U.S. position in the negotiations, building trust and momentum towards achieving a robust global agreement by the end of the year. However, a key component to attain that goal is still missing. Congress needs to hear from you that international funding for vulnerable communities must be included in domestic climate legislation.

The United States, with a population of 306 million people, contributes approximately 25% of all carbon emissions driving global warming. The poorest 1 billion persons on earth contribute only 3%. Yet, despite contributing least to the causes, countries in the Global South are the most affected by climate change, and have the fewest resources available to protect their populations.

Vulnerable communities are struggling to adapt their lives, livelihoods, and communities to respond to shifts in weather patterns and natural environment, but they cannot do it alone. Communities affected by climate change desperately need financial support for adaptation. The UN Human Development Report estimates that at least $86 billion per year will be needed by 2015 to address adaptation needs, including money to “climate-proof” development investments, build resiliency of affected communities and respond to climate-related disasters.

Because the U.S. bears a disproportionate responsibility for causing the climate crisis, money to assist the most vulnerable communities to adapt is our moral obligation. This funding should not be considered charity, but rather as compensation for damages incurred. Additionally, a demonstrated U.S. commitment to adaptation will show the global community that the U.S. is willing to do its fair share, thereby helping to pave the way towards a new global climate agreement by the end of the year.

Take Action!

Representative Henry Waxman, Chair of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, and Representative Howard Berman, Chair of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, are currently working to draft U.S. climate legislation. It is likely that they will introduce a bill before Easter. While they have shown great leadership in advocating U.S. action on climate change, they have yet to make clear commitments on international adaptation.

Urge your Representative to ensure that international adaptation funding is included in U.S. climate change legislation! Call 1-202-224-3121 and ask the Capitol Switchboard operator to connect you to the office of your Representative. (If you are unsure, you can visit to find out who represents you in Congress.) Once you are connected, ask to speak to the legislative assistant who works on climate issues.

Talking Points:

• Explain that you are a constituent from their district.
• Tell them that climate change is already disproportionately affecting poor countries, and will continue to do so—the countries that contribute the least to the causes of global warming and have the fewest resources to protect their vulnerable populations
• Urge them to ensure that climate legislation being drafted by Representatives Waxman and Berman includes sufficient international adaptation assistance, as a moral responsibility and as a practical matter of U.S. interests. By doing so, the U.S. will demonstrate to other nations that the U.S. is willing to contribute its fair share, and will help build trust and momentum towards a new global climate deal.
• Thank them for their concern and attention to this critical issue.

For more information about the Center of Concern’s “Cultivate a Climate for Justice” campaign, visit our campaign page at: http://www.coc.org/ed/cultivate-climate-justice