Archive - May 7, 2009

This post comes from our Sidwell Friends School intern Florencia Foxley -- Garth

Green jobs champion and former 1Sky board member Van Jones was recently named one of Time Magazine’s 2009 most influential people.

Prominent religious, military and Congressional leaders are joining together to advocate that the U.S. take legislative action on climate change. A poll released by Faith in Public Life reveals that a majority of Americans, including Catholics and white evangelicals, see the connection between addressing climate change, poverty, and national security. Congress is currently debating an energy bill that would combat the causes of climate change and protect those most vulnerable to its effects. The American Values Network is airing this powerful radio ad. You can listen to it by clicking the pink arrow here. In the ad, Rev. Joel Hunter of the Northland Church in Florida delivers this message:

As our seas rise, crops wither, and rivers run dry, God's creation cries out for relief. The failure to answer the calling to be good stewards has consequences. The destabilizing effect of climate change will hit the poor the hardest, and it also threatens our national security, our economic prosperity, and our children's future. Yet no matter how bleak things appear, redemption is always possible. So people of faith are speaking out… a great assembly of Christian pastors and churches and America's military leaders are demanding that Congress passes a climate bill that creates jobs, reduces our dependence on foreign oil, and especially protects vulnerable families and communities at home and abroad who are most hurt by climate change. The time for action is now.

1Sky's Climate Precinct Captains (CPCs) really stepped up to the plate during the April congressional recess. Throughout the country, we collectively organized nearly thirty town halls in collaboration with Focus the Nation and many other groups.

We would be nowhere without them. The 1Sky community produced more than 1,800 actions in April -- from drop-offs to lobby visits to large-scale events. They are an impressive movement and we feel their impact on a day-to-day basis as we begin pushing for a strong climate bill in Congress.