"Women and Climate Change"

http://www.churchworldservice.org/ Global warming and other changes in climate patterns are dramatically reshaping life on this planet. These changes affect where we can live, the food we grow and eat, the existence of particular species of plants and animals, the prevalence of hunger, poverty and disease, our ability to earn a living or engage in a particular livelihood, as well as whether we can continue certain cultural and spiritual practices. "Women and Climate Change" publication available from CWS

"Our dream is to make Africa a better place"--An interview with André Karamaga What we do Photo: Paul Jeffrey/ACT-Caritas Church World Service works with partners to eradicate hunger and poverty and to promote peace and justice around the world. Together we reach out to neighbors in need near and far--not with a hand out, but a hand up.  So, if you’re looking to help build a better world—a world where there’s enough for all—you’ve come to the right place! Around the world, Church World Service supports sustainable grassroots development, disaster relief, and refugee assistance, and we educate and advocate on hunger-related issues.  In the U.S., we help communities respond to disasters, resettle refugees, promote fair national and international policies, and provide educational resources. We invite you to join our network of local and global caring through participation in CROP Hunger Walks, the Blankets+ program, and the CWS Kits program. Connect with us today! Responding to emergencies in the U.S. and around the world Nurturing development at the grassroots with seeds, tools and homegrown strategies Assisting refugees to return home when possible, and to find other viable options when it’s not Speaking out in partnership on issues that make a difference in the lives of hungry people Food security so parents can reliably feed their families Water for all so that families have water for drinking, household needs and farming How to help Photo: Joe Moran/CWS Donate  Contributions to Church World Service support sustainable self-help development, meet emergency needs, aid refugees, and help address the root causes of poverty and powerlessness. Get involved  If you want to change the world, you're in the right place.  Get involved by advocating for change, joining a CROP Hunger Walk, holding a Blankets+ event or an alternative holiday fair, or cosponsoring a refugee.  Be an advocate Speak Out - make a phone call, send an email and make a difference. Network with us   Join us on Facebook, MySpace, YouTube or Twitter.  Download buttons and banners for use on your website, blog or profile. Other ways to volunteer  Connect with others around the world. If you would like to get your congregation or group involved, or organize an event in your community, please call toll-free 888-CWS-CROP (888-297-2767). If you would like to assist refugees arriving in your community, please contact the CWS affiliate office in your area. Take the Copenhagen pledge Time to ensure enough for all A young Pokot woman and her water can. Photo: Dan Tyler/CWS Why this campaign for climate justice? Every morning at five, Grace begins her daily trek to fetch water. Depending on the season, she must walk 6-12 miles to a riverbed and then carry her heavy load back before she begins her day of cooking, cleaning, and caring for her four children. Grace and her family are members of the Pokot tribe living in Kenya. Like many nomadic peoples in Africa, her community is facing a crisis caused by a shortage of rainfall the source of water for bathing, washing, farming and raising cattle. Land is turning into desert at a horrifying rate. Hunger is increasing. Life is becoming more threatened. The culprit behind the droughts is carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. This pollution is changing the earth's climate. The people who are suffering the most from climate change are the poorest of the poor in both industrialized and developing countries. It is time for the countries that benefit most from activities that cause climate change to acknowledge this injustice and take the steps necessary to correct it. This means consuming sustainably and moving to cleaner energy sources. It means reducing the impact of climate change on those living in poverty. What's so important about Copenhagen? The last international agreement to stabilize carbon emissions was signed in 1997 in Kyoto, Japan. The targets set by that agreement, called the Kyoto Protocol, expire in 2012. It is time to strengthen it and extend it. It also is time for the United States to join the global community in addressing climate change. Since 1997, scientific research has dramatically increased our knowledge about the speed and extent of climate change and how it is harming God's creation. The world's leading scientists recommend limiting the rise in global temperature to less than 3.6 degrees Fahrenheit. Here's what they say can happen if we don't: Acute water shortages for 1 to 3 billion people 30 million more people going hungry 40 to 60 million more Africans exposed to malaria In the U.S., heat-related premature deaths would increase We need to set the bar high. The new deal must effectively curb high carbon emissions. It also must require industrialized nations like the U.S. to act responsibly by making the largest cuts in their carbon emissions, and by contributing the most money to help the developing countries now suffering the worst effects of climate change. More than just an agreement is at stake. Climate change goes to the very heart of how people live in this world that God created and we all share. We can make a difference for Grace's daughters and granddaughters. We can help make sure they're not stuck in poverty, having to choose between going to school or walking more and more miles in search of less and less water. It is within our power to create an earth where all of God's children share in the abundance of this magnificent creation. Now is the time for us to ensure that there is enough for all. December 2009 will bring our biggest opportunity to curb climate change, when government representatives meet in Copenhagen, Denmark to finalize a new global agreement.< What you can do Take the pledge Our political leaders in the United States and our brothers and sisters in faith around the world need to know that we don't just care about climate change we are serious about taking action! Many faith-based and secular groups in the U.S. and Europe and our partner organizations in developing countries have launched similar advocacy campaigns. By signing this pledge, you demonstrate solidarity with them and you become part of a powerful, worldwide network of people who are acting on their beliefs by working toward the same goal. Church World Service and the National Council of Churches of Christ USA are collaborating with our member denominations and communions on this project. Learn more about climate change For the latest news and information about climate change advocacy and for more ideas about what you can do at home, at church, and in your community, go to: Church World Service: www.countdown2copenhagen.org National Council of Churches: http://www.nccecojustice.org/ Tell others about the pledge  Download Countdown to Copenhagen buttons to use on your webpage, blog, or social networking page. Network with us -- Join Church World Service on Facebook, MySpace, YouTube or Twitter. Countdown to Copenhagen has been endorsed by the member communions of Church World Service. The following communions are among those actively involved in the initiative.