Climate Action Team  (CAT)

Climate change is not “just” an environmental issue.  An out-of-balance climate–floods, drought, sea level rise, extreme heat and storms, etc.–affects the very “interdependent web of existence” (“our common home”) that sustains us.  Already overburdened communities are first and most severely affected by these changes, and UUCMC addresses this fundamental social justice issue through the efforts of our Climate Action Team (CAT).  CAT is a subcommittee of Social Justice Committee and endeavors to make linkages between climate and other justice issues.  A framework is the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals–17 areas of concern all of which are tied to climate.

UUCMC members studied the issue of global warming/climate change in 2004-6 and were part of it being adapted at General Assembly in 2006 as a UUA-wide Statement of Conscience. As a result of the Congregation’s vote to focus on the issue of global warming, CAT was formed in 2010. A congregational Climate Change Action Statement was adopted that year, and we updated it in 2019.

CAT makes linkages to many social justice issue UUs care about, such as poverty, homelessness, peace and justice for all people.  We work within our walls, in the community including as members of the Monmouth Community Climate Coalition, and in the wider world, encouraging UUs to amplify our voices advocating for climate justice.

There are many aspects to solving this huge challenge to humanity.  What would you like to pursue?  Please email Steve Miller.

Here are some examples of our activities so far:

UUCMCers interested in Environmental and Climate Justice have, often working with other committees at UUCMC:

  • Participated every year with Program committee for a Sunday Service to honor the “interdependent web of all existence” around the time of Earth Day (April 22)
  • Organized UUCMC participation in People’s Climate March in NYC, Washington DC protests of continued fossil fuel infrastructure Keystone Pipeline
  • Connected with UU Ministry for the Earth, the UU-UNO climate initiative and other UU entities interested in climate advocacy
  • Been part of UUCMC’s hosting of Citizens’ Climate Education/ Citizens’ Climate Lobby (CCL) meetings
  • Coordinated with Adult RE and MCCC to have a presentation on climate change reality and hope, followed by a reception with many different community groups
  • Completed all requirements for GREEN SANCTUARY certification, granted by UUA in 2006
  • Taken action to reduce our congregations’ carbon footprint, for example,
    • Solar panels on our roof reduce our use of fossil fuels
    • Advocating for other steps to reduce our carbon footprint–adding insulation, upgrading appliances and lights to more efficient models
  • Helping congregants evaluate own carbon footprint
  • Talking with RE classes about energy awareness, conducting toxic products review; creating Pesticide Free Zone
  • Encouraging recycling and composting activities
CCAT

UUCMC Climate Change Action Statement

UUCMC Approved June 2019

Whereas…

Our Unitarian Universalist principles affirm and promote respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part …

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…

International climate conferences have been pivotal steps, but are not strong enough…

We of the UUCMC, as a faith community, therefore pledge to honor, uphold, and act upon the following ethical and moral imperatives:

Educate ourselves and our communities with the most accurate information available on climate change, and learn and practice effective means of communication.

Take steps to reduce our individual and congregational carbon footprints, recognizing that transitioning to a renewable energy economy, necessary to solve the climate problem, is a huge positive opportunity.

Advocate for environmental and climate justice in a clean energy future and by speaking up for burdened and vulnerable communities who are already disproportionately affected by climate disruption.

Urge elected officials to acknowledge the climate crisis, to take legislative action toward achieving safe greenhouse gas levels, and to act to ensure intergenerational equity, meaning that our children and future generations will be able to enjoy our planet and lead healthy, fulfilling lives.

[Revision proposed spring 2019, Approved June 2019.  Original approved unanimously at the 13 June 2010 UUCMC annual meeting, unanimous vote, 68 votes for.]