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In the encyclical on the environment, Pope Francis shared the good — and the bad — news with us and called us to urgent action to protect Earth and all creation. He highlighted how impoverished communities in least developed countries and island nations experience the worst impacts of climate change such as food insecurity, floods, and super storms. Maryknoll missioners affirmed these signs of the time in a survey we recently conducted.
Pope Francis proclaimed that the time is now for an ecological conversion and dialogue with each other to stop the destruction of God’s creation. You can act today by calling attention to both the challenges and the solutions to climate change. Ask the U.S. House of Representatives to fully fund the President’s request of $500 million for the Green Climate Fund (GCF.)
While this seems like a lot, it is equivalent to the cost of two F-35 fighter jets. Yet the Green Climate Fund can help build peace by reducing resource-driven conflicts, meeting the needs of climate refugees, and building climate resiliency. The fund is to be transformational and to build upon the mistakes of past climate funds. It will have a focus on gender sensitivity, and a 50/50 split between adaptation and mitigation efforts. “Developed” and “developing” countries are equal partners and have equal representation on this independent board. Civil society and developing nations have played exciting and innovative roles in shaping the GCF vision.
Funding and implementing the fund is a key step on the path to Paris as the GCF is the main vehicle for mobilizing climate finance. Already, more than 30 countries have pledged more than $10 billion, but the time is now to start showing the money.
Ask Congress to fulfill the U.S. pledge for 2015 by allocating the funds in the President’s budget.
Use this link to send a letter to your member of the U.S. House of Representatives.
Thank you for sending your message and for acting to protect God’s creation. Please enjoy this prayer below from Pope Francis:
All-powerful God, you are present in the whole universe, and in the smallest of your creatures.
You embrace with your tenderness all that exists.
Pour out upon us the power of your love,
that we may protect life and beauty.
Fill us with peace, that we may live
as brothers and sisters, harming no one.
O, God of the poor, help us to rescue the abandoned and forgotten earth,
so precious in our lives.
Bring healing to our lives,
that we may protect the earth, not prey on it
that we may sow beauty, not pollution and destruction.
Touch the hearts
Of those who look only for gain,
At the expense of the earth and the poor.
Teach us to discover the worth of each thing,
To be filled with awe and contemplation,
To recognize that we are profoundly united
with every creature
as we journey towards your infinite light.
We thank you for being with us each day.
Encourage us, we pray, in our struggle for justice, love, and peace.