NEWS RELEASE Contact:
Nov. 8, 2021 In Glasgow: Rev. Susan Hendershot
(515) 240-4072 (mobile), president@interfaithpowerandlight.org
In U.S.: Susan Stephenson
(510) 484-7198 (mobile) susan@interfaithpowerandlight.org
FOURTEEN LEADING U.S. FAITH ORGANIZATIONS SEND LETTER TO BIDEN ADMINISTRATION CALLING FOR GREATER LEADERSHIP ON CLIMATE
Letter calls for faster emissions cuts, more support for developing world
NOV 8, WASHINGTON — Today. Interfaith Power & Light, joined by 13 other major faith organizations, submitted a letter calling for U.S. leadership on increased climate commitments at the COP. The letter is an example of the increasing prominence placed on climate action by U.S. religious organizations.
“People of faith and spirituality have been on the frontlines of the climate crisis for decades, as climate emergencies have claimed the lives and livelihoods of people in their communities and their global partners. In addition to setting ambitious goals to reduce our own country’s carbon pollution, we must support the rest of the world to do the same, and that means financing to help the developing world adapt and transition to sustainable clean energy. As the world’s wealthiest nation and largest historical emitter, we have a moral obligation to support communities suffering the most from a changing climate,” said IPL’s president, Rev. Susan Hendershot.
The letter reads (in part):
“ As faith organizations representing millions of people of faith throughout the United States, we urge you to bring the full power and persuasion of the U.S. government to achieve agreement at the COP to rapidly cut emissions and keep global warming to no more than 1.5 degrees. We ask you to also ensure that the U.S. does our fair share to support developing nations and people on the front lines of extreme climate impacts by scaling up funding, investments, and clean technology transfer.”
Specifically the letter asks President Biden to:
- Accelerate Ambition. We urge the U.S. to accelerate ambition and reduce carbon emissions to keep global warming to no more than 1.5C degrees above pre-industrial levels.
- Increase Climate Finance Commitments. We urge the U.S. to pay its fair share of the $100 billion commitment to climate finance through the Green Climate Fund and other finance mechanisms by increasing its commitments by 2025.
- Support Loss and Damage Finance. We urge the U.S. to prioritize commitments to the most vulnerable populations, such as Indigenous peoples, small island nations, least developed countries, and climate-displaced persons.
- Include Climate and Environmental Justice in Adaptation and Mitigation. We urge the U.S. to include climate justice and reject environmental racism in adaptation and mitigation efforts, as well as ensuring a just transition for fossil-fuel workers. We also urge the U.S. to ensure protection of human rights, especially for Indigenous and local communities.
Full list of letter signers: Interfaith Power & Light, Aytzim: Ecological Judaism, Coalition on the Environment and Jewish Life (COEJL), Dayenu: A Jewish Call to Climate Action, Faithful America, Franciscan Action Network, Islamic Society of North America (ISNA), Jewish Earth Alliance, Maryknoll Office for Global Concerns, Passionist Solidarity Network, Sisters of Mercy of the Americas Justice Team, The Episcopal Church, Union for Reform Judaism, and United Methodist Women.
To receive a copy of the letter and/or to speak to representatives of the organizational signers, please contact Susan Stephenson at susan@interfaithpowerandlight.org or Bill Bradlee at bill@interfaithpowerandlight.org
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