Lutheran World Relief:

Lutheran World Relief and Climate Change Legislation

In December 2009, representatives from around the globe descended on Copenhagen, Denmark for the United Nations Climate Change Conference. However, nothing tangible to combat this global crisis was created from this two week conference. Many people blamed the United States for its unwillingness to pledge targeted emissions reduction numbers or commit a dollar amount for adaptation funds, despite our historical contribution to global greenhouse gases.

However while the finger-pointing rages on at the top level, rural and urban communities already vulnerable to poverty and disease are unable to adapt to their changing environments. Whether it is drought, flood or other natural hazards, these people are fighting a losing battle that they did not start. It is time for the U.S. and our legislators to show how much we care about our global family and our willingness to do what it takes to address this challenge with compassion and resolution.