U.S. Officially Pulls Out of the Paris Agreement–Tell Elected Leaders to Support Staying In

From the Christian Reformed Church Office of Social Justice (http://justice.crcna.org/):

On Monday, November 4, President Trump began the formal process of withdrawing the U.S from the Paris Climate Agreement. This action by the president deepens the climate crisis as it reverses the United States’ initial commitment to reduce greenhouse gases up to 28% by 2025. The unique nature and significance of the Paris Agreement cannot be overlooked as it marked the first time that all the nations of the world agreed to common strategies to reduce the harm caused by climate change.

We lament that the U.S. will no longer be a part of this global agreement. We also lament the impacts this decision will have on the world’s most vulnerable people and future generations.

CRC ministries in the U.S. and around the world are extremely worried about the effects that climate change is already having on the poorest of the poor. In the U.S., climate change threatens the health, homes, and livelihoods of millions of people. Since 2014, the U.S. has spent over $400 billion in responding to weather and climate change disasters. Additionally, reports from World Renew field staff note the already devastating effects of climate change on the vulnerable communities with whom they work. Flooding, drought, and other extreme weather are exacerbating poverty in many parts of the world. It is unjust for the United States to turn its back on communities most impacted by the climate crisis.

As a denomination which has declared climate change as “an ethical, social justice, and religious issue” (2012 Synodical Statement on Climate Change), we will continue to advocate for a vigorous response to climate change because we know that if we do not respond, people in poverty will continue to suffer the consequences. Despite this setback, we will continue “to be voices for justice and public examples in the effort to live sustainably within our God-given resources… and to seek justice for the poor and vulnerable among us and for future generations” (2012 Synodical Statement on Climate Change).

Despite the President’s action, local leaders, businesses, organizations and individuals across the nation have declared their intent to continue to work towards the goals of Paris. We are encouraged by this and we call on you to continue to uphold our compelling moral obligation to care for the environment and creation.

Take this action from our partners at Young Evangelicals for Climate Action: Tell Your Elected Leaders to Support the Paris Agreement at http://www.congressweb.com/nrpe/33/!