Climate Change 2009

Call to Action from the National Leaders Council and the
National Service Conference of the American Ethical Union

Proposed to the 94th Assembly of the AEU St. Louis, Missouri, June 2009

WHEREAS: Climate Change is a catastrophe driven by human choices that have resulted in unsustainable and inequitable use of carbon-releasing energy sources, and

WHEREAS: The United Nations has determined to seek a new Framework of Action with regard to Climate Change at the Copenhagen Conference on Climate Change in December of 2009¹, and

WHEREAS: A global shift in policy must be led by those nations with the highest per capita use of carbon-releasing energy sources, chief among them the United States,

THEREFORE: We urge all governments, especially the United States,

To reprioritize state interests and implement Climate Change policies that acknowledge our collective interdependence and responsibility, and
To recognize and address the underlying influence of consumerism, waste and increasing population on Climate Change.

FURTHERMORE: In order to increase institutional conscientiousness and promote an ethical maturity around Climate Change that acknowledges its impact on human life and the natural world of which we are a part, we call upon the Leaders and members of The American Ethical Union:

To take initiatives designed to change behavior among all sectors -- governmental, business, individual, and especially within our Societies -- to reduce our carbon footprint, and
To support the National Service Conference's efforts to integrate a moral dimension into the United Nations' Climate Change agenda through active participation in the NGO Working Group².

¹ Information can be found at http://unfccc.int/2860.php
² Visit http://www.nationalserviceaeu.org for continuing updates