THE FAITHFUL CONSUMER November 06

…connecting faith and the environment

By Sarah Streed

I'm rejoicing because the Democrats have just won both the House and the Senate. I know that both parties have their problems but I am convinced that the Democrats are doing more on the environment. And it's crucial right now that we have a party in power that will do more on the environment.

If there was any doubt that we're at a crucial time, these doubts are eradicated by the October 30th publication of the most comprehensive review ever carried out on the economics of climate change: The Stern Review on the Economics of Climate Change by Sir Nicholas Stern, Head of the Government Economic Service and former World Bank Chief Economist.

Essentially, the review says that global warming could end up costing the world economy $20 trillion by the century's end—if governments fail to address global warming. It adds that this figure—equal to six to eight percent of the projected global economic output in 2100—is probably an underestimate because it does not account for the cost of biodiversity loss or of unpredictable events such as the collapse of the Gulf Stream.

Grim news indeed, but Sir Nicolas was quite positive upon publication: “The conclusion of the Review is essentially optimistic. There is still time to avoid the worst impacts of climate change, if we act now and act internationally. Governments, businesses and individuals all need to work together to respond to the challenge. Strong, deliberate policy choices by governments are essential to motivate change. But the task is urgent. Delaying action, even by a decade or two, will take us into dangerous territory. We must not let this window of opportunity close.”

That is why I gave an inward sigh of relief when I found out the Democrats had gained both the House and the Senate. We individuals can do our part—God knows I have and I don't say that facetiously—but as Sir Nicholas says, we individuals need to work with governments and businesses to respond effectively to this great challenge. I think the new House and Senate will work with us individuals on behalf of our environment.

Consider two new bills already introduced in Congress to reduce global warming emissions: Representative Henry Waxman's (D-CA) “Safe Climate Act” and Senator William Jefford's (I-VT) companion Senate bill “Global Warming Pollution Reduction Act.” Representatives Baldwin, Kind and Moore are co-sponsors of the Waxman bill and Senator Feingold is one of the 11 co-sponsors for the Jeffords bill.

I believe, come January, that these bills will go farther in our new Congress. So there is hope. For the person of faith, this hope is crucial. I'm not going to stick my head in the sand or hasten the demise of our earth because I'm counting on heaven. No, as a believer, I'm going to encourage the protection of our incredible world and encourage our government to do the same.

November’s tip: Let our future Congress know that you support reducing global warming pollution. Support the bills that call for renewable energy, energy efficiency and cleaner cars.

Sarah Streed is a board member of the Wisconsin Interfaith Climate & Energy Campaign (WICEC) and runs Write Stuff Works (www.writestuffworks.com ) a writing business. She lives in Stoughton, Wisconsin with her husband and children. Email smstreed@sbcglobal.net

All rights reserved by Sarah Streed.

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