Nations are gathering in Egypt for the U.N.’s COP27 summit to discuss and work cooperatively toward solutions to combat climate change. One of the pressing topics on the agenda is financing for climate adaptation and mitigation projects in developing countries disproportionately burdened by environmental and economic damage caused by climate change, despite contributing the least in emissions exacerbating it.
Unfortunately, the coalition of wealthier nations which includes the United States, have failed to hit the annual climate finance flows necessary to meet our goal of a net-zero-emission and resilient economy by 2050. A report released ahead of the gathering estimates that flows must increase up to $3.7 trillion dollars annually to meet that deadline.
As one of the main perpetrators of climate disruption and pollution, the United States has a responsibility to address the devastating effects of climate change at home and around the world. We are asking that Congress support robust funding for multilateral and bilateral environmental accounts for FY2023—including for the Green Climate Fund—focusing on funding for the most impacted countries and communities, in many cases burdened by historic colonization and ongoing inequities.
Advocates for the United Church of Christ have a deep history of engagement in climate justice and creation care centered on equity. Our faith and our love of creation compels us to call on Congress to act urgently on the climate crisis by reminding Congress that any legislation passed must include a lens of equity and justice. We cannot adequately confront climate change and protect creation without also confronting the disproportionate impact it has on marginalized communities globally.
Congress can make our nation a leader in addressing climate change in a manner that will have an impact, and your voices are needed to ensure that they take meaningful action.