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February 13, 2007
Periodic news items and alerts about global climate change justice, energy efficiency, energy conservation, and sustainable energy alternatives for congregations.
Please share this with your friends and ask them to subscribe by contacting Tim Kautza at ncrlctk@mchsi.com. As you know, it’s free!
Please let us know what you are doing to address climate change as a justice issue and what your congregation is doing to improve energy efficiency, reduce energy consumption, or use alternative energy sources.
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Blessings!
Tim Kautza
Coordinator
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Rachel L. Anderson
Editorial Assistant
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CONTENTS:
Cool Congregations Continues to Grow –Only Two Left this Year
Congregational IIP&L Members Continue To Climb
Raise Your Voice To Your Legislators and the General Public
"Powering Down" Lenten Project from IIP&L
Snowe, Kerry Climate Bill Would Reduce Emissions 65 percent by 2050
World's Churches go green and rally to cause
Efficiency and Renewables Can Cut U.S. GHG Emissions Significantly
U.S. Catholic Bishops Call for Moral Focus on Global Climate Change; New Report Demands Urgent Attention
Global Warming to Hit Poor Worst, Says U.N.'s Ban
British Passengers Will Face 'Air Tax'
New National Council of Churches Bulletins
US Mayors Seek $4 Billion Grant to Fight Global Warming
Inuit hope climate change report strikes a chord
Boxer: Act Now to Curb Warming
Three gasoline-electric hybrids are rated among the 'greenest' cars on the road
UNEP meeting warns of dangers of biofuel production
Climate Risk Disclosure by the S&P 500 Found Lacking
Help Support Iowa Interfaith Power & Light
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Cool Congregations Continues to Grow –Only Two Left this Year
More than 150 participants from 45 congregations have attended Cool Congregations workshops in Cedar Falls, Iowa City, and Des Moines. Only two remain to be conducted this year, one in Cedar Rapids this weekend and one later in Dubuque. There is still some room at both, so contact the organizers below soon. Workshops are free, but participating congregations are asked to join Iowa Interfaith Power and Light at the $50 membership level. Individuals may join at any level they wish.
Participants of the three-hour workshop learn how to organize a congregation-wide stewardship program where congregants can increase energy efficiency, save money and reduce global warming pollution. Workshop participants learn how to help congregants measure their carbon footprint (i.e. their family contribution to global warming) and then determine how to reduce their impact. These workshops are presented by 3 women from St. Luke's Episcopal Church, Cedar Falls who created the Cool Congregations workshop. For more information about the workshops contact the local organizer specified below. Workshops are open to all people of faith.
Cedar Rapids, Feb. 17, 2007, Christ Episcopal Church; contact Beth Robbins, robbinse1@msn.com
Dubuque, March 31, Church of the Resurrection; contact Paul Schultz, schultzpf@msn.com
Seven More Congregations Join IIP&L
Congregational membership in Iowa Interfaith Power & Light has now reached 25 with more promised. Seven new congregations joined IIP&L in recent weeks including Broadway United Methodist Church, Council Bluffs; Collegiate Presbyterian Church, Ames; Temple B’Nai Jeshurun, Des Moines; Genesis Church, Iowa City; First Congregational Church, Algona; Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, Urbandale; and Northeastern Iowa Synod, Evangelical Church in America.
Individual members now exceed 50 people.
For more about membership, visit www.ncrlc.com/1-pfd-files/IIPL_Brochure_final.pdf
Raise Your Voice To Your Legislators and the General Public
The Iowa Legislature will make important decisions this year about the future of energy and carbon emissions in the state. Governor Culver has proposed a 4-year, $100 million Iowa Power Fund to help create the Next Generation Energy Economy. Two important issues that need to be addressed by this Fund are (1) will it reduce global warming emissions and address climate change? and (2) will it encourage energy conservation and efficiency? We hope the Iowa Power Fund will address energy efficiency because that is the most cost-effective way to reduce energy use, save money, promote energy independence, and reduce global warming emissions.
Our state assembly is considering related legislative proposals that would (1) create a Climate Change Commission to explore options to reduce global warming emissions; (2) adopt a state energy plan that would reduce global warming emissions in Iowa by 20% by 2020 and 50% by 2040; (3) dedicate at least half of the Iowa Power Fund to energy efficiency, such as funds for green building construction, building energy code education and enforcement, school energy conservation, and local government energy saving innovations; and (4) require new energy efficiency and carbon reduction measures before the construction of any new coal-fired power plants in Iowa. Bill numbers are not yet available for these proposals, but we hope you’ll let your state legislators know now by email or telephone if you agree with these proposals. Find contact information http://www.legis.state.ia.us
For more about Iowa's Energy Charter, visit www.ncrlc.com/IICEC-webpages/iicec-web02.html
Please notify Tim Kautza, ncrlctk@mchsi.com, if you submit a Letter to the Editor.
Thirty-six people from 14 communities participated in a Raise Your Voice workshop conducted by Iowa Interfaith Climate and Energy Campaign via the Iowa Communications Network. For copies of the handouts regarding writing effective letters to the editor and op-eds; feeling comfortable being interviewed for radio and TV, and communicating with legislators, contact Tim Kautza, ncrlctk@mchsi.com; 515.270.2634.
"Powering Down" Lenten Project from IIP&L
As the season of Lent approaches, many of us have started to consider what we want to "give up". This Lenten season, Iowa Interfaith Power & Light (IIP&L) wants you to consider "giving up" some carbon emissions to reduce our personal contributions to global warming for the benefit of sacred creation and future generations!
IIP&L has adopted "Powering Down," a program developed by Tennessee Interfaith Power & Light to reduce the use of fossil fuels during the Lenten season. It gives handy tips and tools for conducting Lent classes on global warming for all ages. The program packet also includes a series of sermons that are geared towards adults who are ready and willing to hear about the responsibility we have to this planet. The packet also includes a brochure of information about the topic and why you should help lower your own carbon emissions for Lent. To purchase "Powering Down" $XX.XX, email ncrlc@mchsi.com or call 515.270.2634,
Lent is a time of reflection and evolution; let us reflect upon our own lives, the lives of others, and the lives of those who have yet to be born. Then let us evolve into a new creation and pave the way for the future generations—so that they may understand what the earth really means to us.
Snowe, Kerry Climate Bill Would Reduce Emissions 65 percent by 2050
On February 2, Senators Olympia Snowe (R-ME) and John Kerry (D-MA) reintroduced their bipartisan legislation to reduce the emissions of the greenhouse gases that cause global warming.
"The issue of global warming is no longer a question of science - it is now a question of political will," Snowe said. "Global warming is a comprehensive problem that demands a comprehensive solution. The Global Warming Reduction Act is that solution. It is realistic, aggressive, science based approach to tackling this issue without putting a stranglehold on our economy. This legislation is the right course at the right cost, and we can no longer afford the price of inaction."
The bill requires that the U.S. freeze emissions in 2010 and then calls for a gradual reduction each year to 65 percent below 2000 emissions levels by 2050. The bill achieves these targets through a flexible, economy-wide cap-and-trade program for greenhouse gas emissions.
For more information: http://snowe.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=PressRoom.PressReleases&ContentRecord_id=83dd8241-802a-23ad-4868-33e61de3d608
World's Churches go green and rally to cause
LONDON (Reuters) - Dire warnings from top scientists that mankind is to blame for global warming set off alarm bells everywhere -- but many of the world's churches have already "gone green" in the race to save the planet.
For Christians, Jews and Muslims, the message is the same -- mankind has "stewardship" of the earth which it has a duty to protect for future generations.
So what are the churches doing?
The tide shows signs of turning in the United States, which is responsible for one quarter of the world's emissions of carbon dioxide and uses one quarter of the world's crude oil.
A group of 85 evangelical Christian leaders this month kicked off a campaign to mobilise religious conservatives to combat global warming.With full-page newspaper advertisements and a television ad, they declared "With God's help, we can stop global warming for our kids, our world and our Lord."
Catholics are also very much singing from the same hymn sheet with Pope Benedict making protection of the environment one of the keynotes of his papacy. He has called on every Catholic to become environmentally friendly and dedicated an entire section of his 2007 World Day of Peace message to what he called "the ecology of peace," saying that disregard for the environment harms human existence.
For more information: http://today.reuters.co.uk/news/articlenews.aspx?type=
reutersEdge&storyID=2007-02-07T134228Z_01_NOA749321_RTRUKOC_0_RELIGION-
ENVIRONMENT.xml&pageNumber=2&imageid=&cap=&sz=13&WTModLoc=NewsArt-C1-ArticlePage2
Efficiency and Renewables Can Cut U.S. GHG Emissions Significantly
On January 31, the Sierra Club and the American Solar Energy Association released a 200-page report, "Tackling Climate Change in the U.S.: Potential Carbon Emissions Reductions from Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy by 2030." The result of more than a year of study, the report illustrates how energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies can provide the emissions reductions required to address global warming.
The report lays out a roadmap for reducing U.S. CO2 emissions 80 percent by 2050. The strategy focuses on energy efficiency and renewable energy sources, and meeting U.S. economic needs without additional reliance on gas, nuclear, or advanced coal technologies.
The report illustrates how energy efficiency measures could keep U.S. carbon emissions roughly constant over the next 23 years as the economy grows, and how renewable energy technologies could make deep cuts below today's emissions.
For more information: www.ases.org/climatechange/toc.htm
U.S. Catholic Bishops Call for Moral Focus on Global Climate Change; New Report Demands Urgent Attention
The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) is urging members of Congress to address the moral and environmental dimensions of global climate change in the wake of a major international report released last week that cites human activity as the likely cause of rising temperatures around the world.
The report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), a synthesis of scientific findings in over 100 countries, including the United States, found that "the warming of the climate is unequivocal" and that "continued greenhouse gas emissions at or above current rates would cause further warming and induce many changes in the global climate system during the 21st century that would very likely be larger than those observed during the 20th century."
Bishop Thomas G. Wenski, chairman of the U.S. bishops’ international policy committee, said in a letter to congressional leaders that the report "has outlined more clearly and compellingly than ever before the case for serious and urgent action to address the potential consequences of climate change as well as highlighting the dangers and costs of inaction. Specifically, he addressed three major themes drawn from Catholic Social Teaching that could help inform how policymakers respond to global climate change.
For more information: www.usccb.org/comm/archives/2007/07-029.shtml
Global Warming to Hit Poor Worst, Says U.N.'s Ban
NAIROBI -- The world's poor, who are the least responsible for global warming, will suffer the most from climate change, U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon told environment ministers from around the world on Monday.
"The degradation of the global environment continues unabated ... and the effects of climate change are being felt across the globe," Ban said in a statement after last week's toughest warning yet mankind is to blame for global warming.
In comments read on his behalf at the start of a major week-long gathering in the Kenyan capital Nairobi, Ban said all countries would feel the adverse impact of climate change.
Governments are under huge pressure to act on the findings of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, which forecast more storms, droughts, heatwaves and rising seas.
U.N. officials hope the report will spur nations -- particularly the United States, the top emitter -- and companies to do more to cut greenhouse gases, released mainly by cars, factories and power plants fuelling modern lifestyles.
For more information: www.enn.com/today.html?id=12167&ref=rss
British Passengers Will Face 'Air Tax'
As of February 1, the cost of flying from UK airports increased after the UK government controversially imposed an 'air tax' on passenger tickets. Chancellor Gordon Brown of the UK said the extra tax was designed to combat global warming, but airlines described it as just another way of raising revenue for the Treasury. EasyJet Plc. Chief Executive Andy Harrison said, "The Chancellor has come up with a tax that will do nothing for the environment while penalizing the traveling public." In a separate interview, Stelios Haji-Ionnou, the founder of EasyJet, suggested the aviation sector should be included in the European Union's carbon-trading scheme to reduce greenhouse gases.
A study funded by the Economics and Social Research Council (ESRC) revealed current UK green tax plans are unlikely to curb the growth in greenhouse gas emissions from travel. Researchers from Oxford University said targeted measures, such as personal carbon credits, were more likely to influence people's behavior. Unfortunately, the benefits of persuading householders to save energy in the campaign against climate change are being wiped out by increased air traffic. Ultimately, all parties involved agree that some sort of measures need to be taken to address the issue.
For more Information: http://news.independent.co.uk/environment/article2204091.ece
New National Council of Churches Bulletins
NCC announces an award for the best "Eco-Sermon"
The NCC is calling for submissions to its first ever eco-justice sermon writing award. The award, which is a celebration of God's creation in the proclaimed gospel, is open to clergy, lay leaders, and other religious leaders.
Resources are ready for Earth Day Sunday 2007
Explore possibilities for putting the Spirit of God back into the life-giving acts of producing and consuming food in this year's NCC Earth Day Sunday resource Our Daily Bread: Harvesters of Hope and Gardeners of Eden.
For more information: www.councilofchurches.org
US Mayors Seek $4 Billion Grant to Fight Global Warming
On January 25, over 260 of the nation's mayors wrapped up the 75th Winter Meeting of the US Conference of Mayors with a call for a $4 billion Energy and Environmental Block Grant to help cities combat global warming by increasing community energy efficiencies. This action stems directly from the creation of the Mayors Climate Protection Agreement in 2005, which now consists of more than 393 mayors from all 50 states including the District of Columbia. Mayors affiliated with this group have pledged to take actions to cut their emissions in line with the Kyoto Protocols.
At a recent news conference, Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels, one of the founders of the Climate Protection Agreement, also announced the Mayors Climate Campaign for 2007. This effort will press the 110th Congress to establish a national cap on GHG emissions and a flexible market-based system of tradable allowances as well as to pass climate-friendly energy and transportation policies.
For more information: http://usmayors.org/75thWinterMeeting/eebg_012507.pdf
Inuit hope climate change report strikes a chord
The UN's Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report, released Friday in France, said the increase in greenhouse gas emissions created by humans is causing the Arctic sea ice and glaciers to melt and sea levels to rise.
Inuit environmentalist Sheila Watt-Cloutier, who has spent years trying to educate the international community about climate change, said this is not the first report to make dire predictions but she hopes the world will take this one more seriously.
Grise Fiord resident Marty Kuluguqtuk, who lives with the effects of a changing climate in Canada's most northern community, said he is hopeful the attention this report has garnered will not just fade away.
"Everybody talks about it [climate change]," he said. "Everybody notices the changes in the weather, including the animals. I hope it boosts our effort to do our own part."
For more information: www.cbc.ca/canada/north/story/2007/02/05/climate-change.html?ref=rss
Boxer: Act Now to Curb Warming
Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-CA), who now chairs the Senate Environmental and Public Works Committee, held her first hearing on January 30 addressing global warming. Boxer began the hearing by stating, "The debate over whether there is global warming, for the majority of us, is over." Overall, nearly one-third of the Senate gave testimony. However, there was not unanimous agreement about specific strategies to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. Regardless, desire for bipartisan support of a consensus plan ruled the day, with a number of senators commending each other for their respective legislative proposals, some of which differ significantly in the type of carbon caps they employ.
Some of the more prominent advocates of global warming legislation are presidential candidates for the White House in 2008. Among those speaking at Tuesday's hearing were Sen. John McCain (R-AZ), Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill) and Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-NY). The harshest critic to give testimony was Sen. Larry Craig (R-ID), who said the rush to enact legislation was merely posturing for the 2008 elections. Despite the comment, Boxer and others seemed pleased with the day's proceedings. "What's been fascinating for me to hear is how we are all coming together here," she said, adding that, "we are moving beyond the argument and towards solutions."
For more information: www.sacbee.com/111/story/116301.html
Three gasoline-electric hybrids are rated among the 'greenest' cars on the road
Three gasoline-electric hybrids, the Toyota Prius, Honda Civic and Nissan Altima, are rated among the "greenest" cars of 2007 in the 10th annual "greenest" and "meanest" rankings released by the American Council for an Energy- Efficient Economy.
A Honda Civic that runs on natural gas and has limited production was ranked number one. But two other cars in the top 10 — the Toyota Yaris and Honda Fit — are among the fastest- selling new models of small, gas- powered vehicles from foreign automakers, according to the rankings released Monday.
No cars built by American manufacturers made the "greenest" list, reflecting the firms' lingering dependence on sport utility vehicles, pickup trucks, and large cars.
Among vehicles making that list were the Ford Escape, a small hybrid SUV; the Toyota Highlander hybrid; Toyota's Tacoma pickup truck; and GMC's Sierra Classic C1500 pickup truck.
For more information: www.iht.com/articles/2007/02/06/business/green.php
UNEP meeting warns of dangers of biofuel production
NAIROBI -- Environmentalists meeting in Nairobi say the trade in biofuels should be governed by environmental standards, and warn that planting crops solely for biofuels may cause catastrophic damage to the planet.
Speaking at the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) Governing Council meeting held in Nairobi yesterday (5 February), Danish environment minister Connie Hedegaard said that environmental standards were vital if the international trade in biofuels was to be allowed to begin on a massive scale.
An increased focus on biofuel production across Asia and Latin America has spurred a "tropical agricultural revolution", with intense competition for land to grow food and fuel crops. The resultant forest clearance has led to a loss of biodiversity, as well as health problems in Southeast Asia due to smoke from forest fires.
It also contributes to global warming, as forest clearance releases carbon dioxide — the main gas responsible for climate change — into the atmosphere. Forests are considered better carbon sinks than agricultural fields.
"It is an economic choice. We have been holding meetings with biotech companies to look into standards for biofuels," Steiner said during a news conference in Nairobi.
For more information: www.scidev.net/news/index.cfm?fuseaction=readnews&itemid=3397&language=1
Climate Risk Disclosure by the S&P 500 Found Lacking
Despite growing financial losses in various business sectors from climate change, over half of the nation's 500 largest publicly-traded companies are doing a poor job of disclosing climate change risks to their investors, according to a first-ever report analyzing climate disclosure practices among S&P 500 companies last year.
"Many US companies are still downplaying climate change and its far-reaching business impacts," said Mindy S. Lubber, president of Ceres, a leading coalition of investors, environmental groups and other public interest organizations. "More-extreme weather events, regulatory changes and growing global demand for climate-friendly technologies are just a few of the ways that climate change will ripple across all sectors of the economy. Yet, many US companies are not addressing these trends and are leaving investors in the dark about their strategies for mitigating those risks."
Of 228 companies responding to the survey, only one-quarter disclosed measurable emissions reductions targets and specific time frames for reductions, and only four percent disclosed strategies for mitigating and adapting to the growing physical impacts from climate change.
For more information: www.ceres.org/news/news_item.php?nid=264
Help Support Iowa Interfaith Power & Light
This electronic newsletter now reaches more than 700 Iowans; religious leaders, people of most every faith, readers, and activists concerned about global warming and the resulting impacts of global climate change on creation and poor and vulnerable people. We receive kudos weekly from many who are pleased to receive the newsletter and who praise the work of our two organizations. Iowa Interfaith Power & Light is a membership organization. Congregational membership (church, synagogue, mosque, center, school, hospital, or organization) is $50. You can become a member with any contribution you feel is appropriate. Contributions can be sent and made payable to IIP&L, 4625 Beaver Ave., Des Moines, IA 50310-2145. For more about membership, visit www.ncrlc.com/1-pfd-files/IIPL_Brochure_final.pdf Your support is greatly appreciated and will put to good use.
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