At a virtual Earth Day summit today, President Biden committed the United States to cutting emissions by half by the end of the decade.
While we acknowledge this is an improvement, it still falls short of the United States’ fair share of global climate action. We hear Biden’s words: “The signs are unmistakable, the science is undeniable and the cost of inaction keeps mounting,” and we wonder why his commitments are so lackluster compared to what’s needed.
Our 10 moral demands provide a clear and accessible framework to create a just and sustainable future. That’s why we are sticking to these demands and holding the world’s leaders accountable to act on them, and quickly, before time runs out. We are asking those in power for:
) 100% renewable, clean energy for all: sustainable, affordable power for everyone – especially the 800 million people without access to electricity
) Global finance aligned with compassionate values: increased financing – in COVID recovery and beyond – for sustainable industry, infra-structure and agriculture
) Jobs and healthcare for all: a just transition for workers impacted by climate change through job training, living wage and universal healthcare and insurance
) Respect for Indigenous rights: a strong defense for the legal rights of Indigenous communities and all environmental protectors
) Welcome for migrants: generous opportunities for climate refugees to migrate and establish new homes
) No more climate pollution: net-zero greenhouse gas emissions in wealthy countries by 2030; accelerated finance/technology transfers for global net zero before 2050
) An end to the planet’s desecration: no new fossil fuel exploration or infrastructure, no more deforestation; no more habitat or biodiversity loss
) Elimination of immoral investment: no further financing or COVID bailouts for fossil fuels and exploitative agriculture
) Climate reparations from wealthy countries: initiatives by wealthy countries in climate financing and technology transfer, in recognition of these countries’ colonialist and environmental debt
) Bold faith community leadership: sustained, united action guided by the teachings of our diverse religions, ushering in an equitable, peaceful life for all.
These 10 demands are the moral criteria by which we judge government commitments around climate justice. Biden needs to go beyond promises and take immediate action to stop the bad, build the good, and repair the harm.
He needs to act now to stop approving all new fossil fuel projects and shut down the Line 3, Dakota Access, and Mountain Valley pipelines and all other projects that violate Indigenous sovereignty, pollute communities, drive up emissions, and fuel the climate crisis and declare a climate emergency to lead a clean energy revolution, invest in historically marginalized communities, and create millions of good union jobs.
Climate leadership starts at home. To regain credibility in the eyes of the world, President Biden needs to make good on his commitments to climate action and environmental justice by stopping the fossil fuel projects that are poisoning communities and driving climate chaos.
As the countries who have contributed the least to carbon pollution experience the worst of the climate crisis now, the U.S. must also take responsibility for its share of historic emissions.
Your support makes a difference.
In solidarity and hope,
Rev. Fletcher Harper
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