UUCMC Climate Change Action Statement1

Whe reas

Our Unitarian Universalist principles affirm and promote environmental stewardship

The scientific evidence supporting global warming is overwhelming and cannot be ignored...

Climate change has the potential to degrade the quality of life of all people on earth, particularly
those who lack the resources to adapt

The impacts of global warming have dire consequences, including extreme weather, rising sea
levels, and mass extinctions

There is no second planet and so we must preserve the one we have

Dwindling water and food supplies will increase conflict and threaten world peace

The Copenhagen Climate Conference COP15 was a pivotal first step towards making a binding
agreement but is not enough

We of t he U UCM C, as a fait h co mmu nity, t here for e pled ge to honor , u p hold, an d act u pon
the fo llo win g ethic al an d mor al i mpe rati ves:

Be conscientious consumers by distinguishing the difference between need and want.

Educate ourselves and our communities (schools, neighborhoods, etc.) with the most accurate
information available, counter disinformation, and use effective means of communication to
accomplish these ends, e.g. the Internet and the arts.

Take simple and economical steps to reduce our carbon footprint and advocate for pro-
environment legislation and research on a large scale.

Urge political candidates and elected officials to acknowledge the climate crisis and demand that
they take action.

Urge the Cancun Climate Conference COP16 in 2010 to develop a fair, ambitious, and binding
agreement. This means specifying commitments to achieve safe greenhouse gas levels and
providing substantial aid to developing countries for technology transfer and adaptation.

Ensure generational equity, meaning that our children and further generations will be able to
enjoy our planet and lead healthy, fulfilling lives.

File = UUCMC CC Statement Final.doc; 5/19/10 9:28 PM

1
Based on the 2010 Climate Change Seminar Statement (UU - UN Office) formulated by the seminar
participants, and strengthened by the UUCMC Climate Change Action Team and Rev. Virginia Jarocha-
Ernst. It follows the 2006 UUA General Assemblys Statement of Conscience.