Department of Justice, Peace and Human Development

Office of Domestic Social Development

GLOBAL CLIMATE CHANGE

February 2008

At its core, global climate change is not about economic theory or political platforms, nor about
partisan advantage or interest group pressures. It is about the future of God’s creation and the one
human family. It is about protecting both “the human environment” and the natural environment.
--U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, June 2001

ISSUE
The discussion of global climate change is now fueled by divergent perceptions of the economic,
social, and political costs. While fewer question the reality of climate change, there is a vigorous
debate about proposed solutions to address climate change and their costs. The USCCB is deeply
involved in several aspects of the climate change issue. Our efforts promote prudent action to address
the growing impact of global climate change and pursue the common good in a very polarized debate.
The bishops’ primary concern within the current public debate is to place the needs of the poor and
vulnerable at the center of climate legislation. Both at home and abroad the poor contribute the least to
climate change but are likely to suffer its worst consequences.

BACKGROUND
On June 6, 2007, USCCB testified before the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works
during a hearing on religious views regarding global warming.” USCCB’s testimony addressed the
moral dimensions of climate change, including that poor people will suffer most from global warming
and the poor have contributed least to the problem. The framework for addressing climate change
should reflect prudence, a commitment to the common good and a priority for the poor.

In December 2007, the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee passed a comprehensive
climate change bill, America's Climate Security Act of 2007 (S. 2191), which represents a significant
step forward. Through a “cap and trade” program, this bill will not only help reduce greenhouse gases
but will also generate funds to provide new and needed resources to assist the poor at home and
abroad.

USCCB, along with its interfaith and ecumenical partners, has worked closely with the chair of the
Environment and Public Works Committee and the co-sponsors of S. 2191, to strengthen the domestic
and international anti-poverty provisions within this legislation. These provisions set aside funding to
help the poor and vulnerable, at home and abroad, better respond to climate-related impacts through
adaptation and mitigation. The U.S. Catholic bishops and other members of the National Religious
Partnership for the Environment will continue to work with Senators to improve these poverty
provisions as the bill goes to the Senate floor in the coming months.

USCCB POSITION
In their June 2001 statement, Global Climate Change: A Plea for Dialogue, Prudence and the
Common Good, the bishops note: “Although debate continues about the extent and impact of this
warming, it could be quite serious … Consequently, it seems prudent not only to continue to research
and monitor this phenomenon, but to take steps now to mitigate possible negative effects in the future.”
The statement also calls for a less polarized public debate and more focus on the global common good.
The bishops call for thoughtful dialogue that relies on the political virtue of prudence. Prudence is not
simply a cautious and safe approach, but rather a thoughtful, deliberate, and reasoned basis for taking
or avoiding action to achieve a moral good.

Poor people cannot be made to bear an undue burden of the global adjustments needed to address
climate change. USCCB supports legislative provisions to assist the poor and adversely affected
communities in adapting to and mitigating the effects of global climate change in the U.S. and
developing countries. These measures must include additional financial assistance for sustainable
development as well as technological assistance in adopting more benign and efficient energy
production. On August 1, 2007, Bishop Skylstad and other leaders of the National Religious
Partnership for the Environment sent a letter to Congress that outlined broad agreement on four key
principles:

• Global climate change is real; the principle of prudence requires us to act to protect the
common good.
• The consequences of climate change will be borne by the world’s most vulnerable
people and inaction will only worsen their suffering.
• Policies addressing global climate change should enhance rather than diminish the
economic situation of people in poverty.
• Policies should help vulnerable populations here and abroad adapt to climate impacts
and actively participate in these efforts.

The USCCB supports strong U.S. leadership and advocates for much greater assistance to the
developing nations, particularly in providing economic assistance to enable poorer countries to adopt
appropriate clean energy technology. The bishops also call for greater emphasis on energy
conservation, the development of renewable and clean energy resources, and assistance to industries
and workers displaced during the transition to new and more benign energy production.

ACTION NEEDED
Contact your Members of Congress and urge greater U.S. leadership to address climate change,
especially its disproportionate impact on poor and vulnerable people here and abroad.

Urge your Senators to strengthen the domestic and international anti-poverty provisions within
America’s Climate Security Act, S. 2191.

For further information, contact Cecilia Calvo, USCCB, 202-541-3188, ccalvo@usccb.org

or Dan Misleh, Catholic Coalition on Climate Change, 301-322-1180,
danmisleh@catholicsandclimatechange.org