ADVOCATE

. . . Catholic principles and priorities in climate change discussions and decisions, especially as they impact the poor and vulnerable.

We urge policy makers and public officials to focus more directly on the ethical dimensions of environmental policy and on its relation to development, to seek the common good, and to resist short-term pressures in order to meet our long-term responsibility to future generations.

US Catholic Bishops: Renewing the Earth: An Invitation to Reflection and Action on Environment in Light of Catholic Social Teaching

The Catholic community has an opportunity to shape initiatives on climate change at the local, state and federal levels.  The key contribution of the Catholic community to this debate, especially at the level of public policy, is to be a voice for those most impacted by climate change: people in poverty at home and around the world.  Our work focuses on international and domestic policies concerned with the impact of climate change on poor people.

Advocacy Ideas for Organizations:

1. Sign up to receive action alerts.

• Click here to receive action alerts from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.
• To learn about efforts in your state visit the National Association of State Catholic Conference Directors.

2. Become knowledgeable about the issues.

• Read the backgrounders and other documents from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.

3.  Get to know the legislatures within your State and in Congress.

• Go to the websites of your state and federal representatives. Learn their positions on climate change.

4. Watch for and respond to action alerts from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and other Catholic organizations concerned about climate change.

• Each action alert provides all the information needed to contact your representative.

5.  Attend town or county meetings when environmental issues are on the agenda and ensure that policies to protect the environment, promote development, or to site landfills, power generation facilities or other industries with potential environmental hazards are consistent with Catholic teaching.

6. Thank your representative.

• When you hear back from your representative send a thank you note.
• To see a sample e-mail or letter to your member of Congress, click here.