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Climate Change: Who Pays for Our Pollution?
The American Clean Energy Security Act is full of good provisions for green jobs, modernizing our energy systems, and imposing strict pollution regulations. But there is a glaring omission: lack of support for poor countries dealing with crises caused by global warming.
This type of assistance is commonly called international adaptation. The funding pays for things like early warning systems for storms, irrigation techniques for droughts, and resources to develop clean energy sources. But the current bill allocates only one percent of its resources to international adaptation, far less than experts say would make a difference.
Ask Congress to increase funding for international adaptation to help vulnerable communities build their resilience to climate change.
| Sample Letter for Campaign |
Subject: Climate Change Bill: Support the poorest
Dear [ Decision Maker ] ,
A bill on clean energy and climate change, The American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009 (HR 2454), just passed the House Energy and Commerce Committee. Like many Americans, I am glad our country is finally addressing these needs, and as a Christian, I believe we each have a responsibility to care for God's creation.
However, I am concerned that the bill does not do enough to address the needs of impoverished communities and countries impacted by our pollution.
Impoverished communities and countries didn't create the climate change problem -- rich countries did. But as so often happens, the vulnerable get stuck dealing with the negative consequences: more floods, droughts, debilitating storms, crop loss, and disease.
The current bill allocates only one percent of its resources to international adaptation, far less than experts say would make a difference. This funding will pay for things like early warning systems for storms, irrigation techniques for droughts, and resources to develop clean energy sources.
I believe Congress can draft a bill that helps prepare our country for our future energy needs, cleans up from our past pollution, and protects vulnerable populations. But we can't address climate change on our own. Passing smart U.S. legislation is crucial for us to help write a good international agreement this December.
Please support an increase that at least doubles the resources for international adaptation -- that would still take only about two percent of the climate change bill's total resources.
Thank you for your consideration of my request.
Sincerely,
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Campaign Launched:
June 08, 2009
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