Periodic news items and alerts about global climate change justice, energy efficiency, energy conservation, and sustainable energy alternatives for congregations.
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Blessings!
Tim Kautza
Coordinator
Contents:
IOWA EPISCOPALIAN LEADERSHIP ADOPTS GLOBAL WARMING RESOLUTION
ADVENT KIT AVAILABLE, ORDER BY NOV. 27
IIP&L TO ORGANIZE COOL CONGREGATIONS
UK STUDY: ECONOMIC CONSEQUENCES OF DELAYING GLOBAL WARMING ACTION COULD BE DISASTROUS
INTERFAITH CLIMATE AND ENERGY CAMPAIGN TO HOLD CONGREGATIONAL GATHERINGS
WHO KILLED THE ELECTRIC CAR? SHOWING IN DES MOINES NOV. 25
CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF DES MOINES TO HOST CLIMATE CHANGE GATHERING NOV. 30
HELP SUPPORT IOWA INTERFAITH POWER & LIGHT
U.S. SENATE LEADERSHIP PROPOSES ACTION ON GLOBAL WARMING
HOUSE OF GREEN TOUR ON DEC. 14
VATICAN APPEALS TO U.N. FOR AN "ECOLOGICAL CONVERSION"
IOWA ENERGY POSTER CONTEST DRAWS NEAR
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IOWA EPISCOPALIAN LEADERSHIP ADOPTS GLOBAL WARMING RESOLUTION
The Episcopal Diocese of Iowa adopted resoundingly during its Nov. 10-11, 2006 convention a resolution on global warming and Iowa Interfaith Power and Light. Sometime next week you will be able to view the resolution under What’s New? at www.ncrlc.com/IIPandL-webpage.html
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ADVENT KIT AVAILABLE, ORDER BY NOV. 27
"Preparing for a New Light" is an Advent prayer, reflection and study guide that draws attention to our obligation to care for God’s creation and each other. During this time of preparation and expectation by Christians, participants are asked to change one light bulb in their homes to a compact fluorescent light (CFL) each time they light a new Advent wreath candle. Each lighting celebration includes scripture reflection, a creation care observation, and prayer. This new guide was adapted by IIP&L volunteer Sarah Webb from a similar kit developed by Georgia IP&L. To order, contact ncrlc@mchsi.com or 515.270.2634 and request "Preparing for a New Light." Cost is $8 for the guide (bulbs not included) including mailing. Deadline for orders is November 27. Plans are underway to develop similar kits for Hanukkah and, perhaps Hijrah.
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IIP&L TO ORGANIZE COOL CONGREGATIONS
The IIP&L Education Working Group will conduct "Cool Congregations" workshops around the state this winter. Contact Tim Kautza ncrlctk@mchsi.com; 515.270.2634 if your congregation would like to host the 3-hour workshop, "Cool Congregations" - Solving Global Warming One Family at a Time. Participants will learn how to organize a stewardship program in their own congregation where congregants can pledge energy efficiency, save money and prevent global warming pollution. Available dates are February 3,17 and March 3,17,24,31. There will be no charge for this workshop. If everyone in Iowa took simple steps to be 10% more energy efficient, it would be equivalent to removing 605,000 cars from the road! For more about Iowa Interfaith Power & light, visit www.ncrlc.com/IIPandL-webpage.html
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UK STUDY: ECONOMIC CONSEQUENCES OF DELAYING GLOBAL WARMING ACTION COULD BE DISASTROUS
Earlier this month, just prior to the opening of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (visit http://unfccc.int/2860.php) in Nairobi, Kenya, which concludes today, United Kingdom economist Sir Nicholas Stern issued a report that suggests that global warming could shrink the global economy by 20%. But taking action now would cost just 1% of global gross domestic product, the 700-page study says. UK Prime Minister Tony Blair said the Stern Review showed that scientific evidence of global warming was "overwhelming" and its consequences "disastrous". The review coincides with the release of new data by the United Nations showing an upward trend in emission of greenhouse gases - a development for which Sir Nicholas said that rich countries must shoulder most of the responsibility. For more about the Stern Review, visit www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/independent_reviews/stern_review_economics_climate_change/sternreview_index.cfm
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INTERFAITH CLIMATE AND ENERGY CAMPAIGN TO HOLD CONGREGATIONAL GATHERINGS
Beginning in November, Iowa Interfaith Climate and Energy Campaign will conduct, at no charge, congregational gatherings at more than 30 congregations around the state over the following seven months. If your congregation is interested in finding out more about hosting such an event, contact Tim Kautza, ncrlctk@mchsi.com; 515.270.2634. For more about Iowa Interfaith Power & Light, visit www.ncrlc.com/IIPandL-webpage.html
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WHO KILLED THE ELECTRIC CAR? SHOWING IN DES MOINES NOV. 25
Who Killed the Electric Car? is a movie that chronicles the life and mysterious death of the GM EV1, examining its cultural and economic ripple effects and how they reverberated through the halls of government and big business. Who Killed the Electric Car? interviews and investigates automakers, legislators, engineers, consumers and car enthusiasts from Los Angeles to Detroit, to work through motives and alibis, and to piece together the complex puzzle of the car’s demise. Who Killed the Electric Car? is not just about the EV1. It's about how this allegory for failure - reflected in today's oil prices and air quality - can also be a shining symbol of society's potential to better itself and the world around it. While there's plenty of outrage for lost time, there's also time for renewal as technology is reborn in Who Killed the Electric Car? The 90-minute movie can be viewed at the State Historical Building, Des Moines at 2:00 and 7:00 p.m. Nov. 25 and at 7:00 p.m. Nov. 26. Fee is $5. For more, visit www.sonyclassics.com/whokilledtheelectriccar/electric.html
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CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF DES MOINES TO HOST CLIMATE CHANGE GATHERING NOV. 30
The Catholic Diocese of Des Moines is announcing the guest speakers for a workshop on Thursday, Nov. 30 at Sacred Heart Church in West Des Moines entitled "Climate Change, Energy and Justice: A Catholic Approach". Speakers will be Tim Kautza, science and environmental specialist from the National Catholic Rural Life Conference, and Bill Cox, chair of the science department at Dowling Catholic High School. They will discuss the current state of climate change and impacts on the environment. Susie Paloma, of Catholic Charities, will present how Catholic social teaching will inform our discussion of environmental issues. Clergy and staff track is 12:45 – 4:00 p.m Parish Council and social justice track 6:45 – 9:00 p.m. There is no cost to attend. Please RSVP to bishop@dmdiocese.org if you plan to attend or call the diocese at (515) 237-5041 for more information.
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HELP SUPPORT IOWA INTERFAITH POWER & LIGHT
This electronic newsletter now reaches more than 500 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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U.S. SENATE LEADERSHIP PROPOSES ACTION ON GLOBAL WARMING
Democratic Senator Barbara Boxer last week promised major policy shifts on global warming as she prepares to lead the U.S. Senate's environmental committee. The California Democrat is one of the Senate's most liberal members and replaces one of its most conservative, Republican James Inhofe of Oklahoma. Inhofe had blocked bills seeking to cut the greenhouse gases contributing to global warming, calling the issue "the greatest hoax perpetrated on the American people." Boxer said she intends to introduce legislation to curb greenhouse gases. "Time is running out, and we need to move forward on this," Boxer said of global warming during a conference call with reporters. "The states are beginning to take steps, and we need to take steps as well."
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HOUSE OF GREEN TOUR ON DEC. 14
The Waverly Light & Power House of Green tour is set for 10:30 a.m., December 14. The Iowa Association of Municipal Utilities is organizing carpools for people in the Des Moines area (maybe an Ames stop, too). For more about carpooling, contact Erin Peiffer before Dec. 6 at epeiffer@iamu.org; 515-289-1999 or 800-810-IAMU. For more about the House of Green visit http://wlp.waverlyia.com This may be the last chance to view it before it is sold.
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VATICAN APPEALS TO U.N. FOR AN "ECOLOGICAL CONVERSION"
Roman Catholic Archbishop Celestino Migliore, the Vatican’s permanent observer to the United Nations said Oct. 26 to the General Assembly's committee discussing sustainable development and ecology, "The environmental consequences of our economic activity are now among the world's highest priorities. The environmental question is not only an important ethical and scientific problem, but a political and economic problem too, as well as a bone of contention in the globalization process in general. It means not just integrating sustainable development into programs for poverty reduction and development, but also reflecting the preoccupations and environmental problems in security strategies, and in developmental and humanitarian questions at the national, regional and international levels." An "ecological conversion" is necessary so that sustainable development can take place. For the complete statement, visit www.holyseemission.org/25Oct2006.html
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IOWA ENERGY POSTER CONTEST DRAWS NEAR
The Iowa Energy Poster Contest gives first through sixth grade children the opportunity to create a poster that focuses on the importance of energy conservation or renewable sources of energy; an emphasis of Iowa Interfaith Power & Light, too. The contest has proven to be a great way for young people (and their parents) to learn that things such as using clothespins instead of dryers and roller skates instead of cars will help the environment. Posters are showcased in the Traveling Art Gallery which visits schools, museums and businesses throughout the state. For more information about the Iowa Energy Poster Contest or to invite the Traveling Art Gallery to your congregation, contact Pat Higby at (319) 273-6012 or visit www.uni.edu/ceee/postercontest. Submissions for the statewide contest must be postmarked by Mar. 1.
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