Update on the Climate Security Act

Unfortunately the Lieberman-Warner Climate Security Act was pulled from the Senate floor without an opportunity for amendments. However, forty-eight senators voted in support of continuing the debate- more than ever before- and six who weren't able to make the vote voiced thier support as well. Sixty votes would have been needed to move the legislation forward. Although all of us are disappointed to see the bill pulled, the push for change continues and together we're building a movement that will reform climate policy in the years to come. You can read Oxfam America's response to this development here.

If you're curious about the Oxfam Action Corps or have a passion for climate justice, come to our next meeting on June 18th at 7pm at Caribou Coffee (3220 Ingersoll Avenue in Des Moines).

Actions Needed Now, Things you can do here in Iowa

Thursday is World Environment Day

How might you celebrate in Ames?

Iowa Oxfam Action Corps is having an informal meeting discussing Climate change and how it hurts the poor.

Taking place June 7 at 5pm at Cafe Diem on Main St. In Ames

We will:
- Learn about the campaign
- Discuss how we will engage Iowan on Climate Justice
- Plan up coming actions
- Meet others who are interested in climate change

No RSVP is necessary, just come if you can and pass the word on.

To learn more about Iowa Action Corps please visit our blog at: http://oxfamaction-iowa.blogspot.com/


Also, we have established a secure listserv that I will be using in future correspondence (it avoids my needing to bcc everyone via gmail). You can subscribe yourself at iowa.actioncorps-subscribe@lists.riseup.net

Finally, right now, the Senate is debating a climate change bill that could have a huge impact on communities around the world. We need you to make sure that they’re not leaving poor people behind. Climate change is already affecting the world’s most impoverished people, who are facing droughts, floods, and increased disease—and are least equipped to deal with these disasters.

Tell the Senate to we must ramp up our efforts to help vulnerable communities impacted by our changing climate. http://act.oxfamamerica.org//campaign/LW

Communicating Climate Justice

On Friday, May 23rd, members of the Oxfam Action Corps met with staff at Senator Harkin's office to talk about climate policies. They talked about how to address climate change in a just and equitable way. The United States needs to implement policies that reduce pollution to environmentally acceptable levels. Equally important, the US should assist poor and vulnerable communities as they transition to a green economy and adapt to the climate change that is already occurring.

An important step in the right direction, the Climate Security Act will be introduced for debate in the Senate on June 2nd. The act would set up a cap-and-trade system to reduce climate-altering pollution. Under cap-and-trade systems, polluters are required to acquire licenses to pollute. The government caps the total amount of pollution by limiting the number of available licenses. The Action Corps would like to see most or all of the pollution licenses auctioned instead of given away, and the proceeds reinvested in community adaptation efforts, poverty alleviation, and the public good.

Communicating the importance of climate justice to government figures is an important part of what the Action Corps does. The Oxfam Action Corps looks forward to maintaining a working relationship with Senator Harkin's office as the Climate Security Act and related legislation moves forward.

Start Helping and Stop Harming

How can you make change when it comes to climate change? It's so big but there are some little things you can do.



1) Sign the Petition

http://www.msplinks.com/MDFodHRwOi8vYWN0Lm94ZmFtYW1lcmljYS5vcmcvY2FtcGFpZ24vY2NwZXRpdGlvbg==

2) Sign up for the Oxfam Climate Change Action Team

http://www.msplinks.com/MDFodHRwOi8vYWN0Lm94ZmFtYW1lcmljYS5vcmcvY2FtcGFpZ24vY2NfYXRlYW0=

&

3) Send me an email at iowa.actioncorps@gmail.com if you want to help and to get on the list serv!

Thanks!

Peace,
Ellen
Iowa Action Corps Co-Leader

Cherry Blossoms and Climate Change

(National Oxfam Action Corps Leaders)

Ellen and Stephen, Iowa action corps co-leaders, recently returned from training with Oxfam America in Washington, DC. We learned a lot from Oxfam America staff and from leaders of the Oxfam Action Corps in 12 other cities across the US.

(United States Capitol Building)

We went to the Captiol to speak with aides to Representative Boswell and Senator Harkin about the effects of climate change on people who suffer from poverty and hunger in the US and around the world. We asked that they support efforts to stop harming by reducing pollution and start helping by providing international adaptation funding for disadvantaged communities around the world to adapt to the effects of climate change.

We're back in Iowa and excited to bring the human face of climate change to Iowans across the state!