Climate Security Act Goes on Ice

The Climate Security Act, along with its funding for international climate change adaptation, stalled in the Senate last week. Congress is likely to pickup the issue next year.

The Lieberman-Warner Climate Security Act has been taken off the congressional docket after a cloture vote failed last Friday, 48-36. The legislation would have created a carbon cap-and-trade system within the United States, with revenue from the auction of carbon credits going toward a number of climate-related initiatives, including critical climate change adaptation programs for the world's most vulnerable communities (learn more about adaptation here). Most sources, such as Congressional Quarterly, state that the bill will be readdressed next year.

The Climate Security Act's status is not unexpected and should not be viewed as a defeat. Work on the bill in this session has set the stage for next year and several important developments hold promise. The bill was co-sponsored by twelve senators representing both sides of the aisle, including Minnesota's own Senators Coleman and Klobuchar. The bill put a human face on climate change, explicitly citing the disproportionate impact it has on the world's poor and providing funds to help those communities cope.

Thanks to everyone who contacted Congress about the bill. Be sure to follow developments because, while the Climate Security Act will remain high-and-dry this year, millions of struggling families won't. Adaptation funding is desperately needed so action must resume as soon as the next congress gets down to business. In the meantime, sign this petition asking the presidential candidates to help the poor adapt to climate change.

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Come to Twin Cities World Refugee Day!
Over 1,000 people attended the first Twin Cities World Refugee Day last year. This unique exciting event returns June 20, 2008 at Minnehaha Park in Minneapolis. As described by the organizers, the event "will be a day full of performances, food, an immigrant resource fair and more to celebrate the many refugees who have made new homes in Minnesota." It's free and open to the public, so don't miss it! Visit the Twin Cities World Refugee Day website to learn more about the event and volunteer opportunities.

Oxfam Action Corps volunteers will be on hand with information on how you can support lasting solutions to poverty and injustice without opening your wallet.