Reps. Ellison, McCollum sign 'Global Warming Requires a Global Solution' Letter

Minnesota's own U.S. Representatives Keith Ellison and Betty McCollum have joined with other members of Congress to sign an important 'Dear Colleague' letter, addressed to House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Henry Waxman, entitled, Global Warming Requires a Global Solution. Citing the disproportionate impact of climate change on the world's poor and its contributions to hunger, forced migration, and political instability, the letter calls for an investment in climate adaptation projects. Simple projects, such as more efficient irrigation systems, help communities cope with the challenges of climate change and represent an excellent return on investment for the United States. The letter reads, in part:

Comprehensive climate change legislation should devote a significant portion of generated revenues to investments in international adaptation, clean technology cooperation, and forest protection activities in the developing world. It is an opportunity for leadership, innovation, economic growth at home and abroad and trust building with developing countries.

We applaud our representatives' leadership on this critical and often overlooked issue. Congresswoman McCollum is also a Sisters on the Planet Ambassador.

Thanks to leaders such as Representatives Ellison and McCollum, an early draft of the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009 contains strong language to reduce harm to the environment and begin helping those that climate change hurts most. Read Oxfam's reaction here. It will be important to follow this legislation as it moves through committee.

The week in review...
Oxfam Action Corps - Minnesota hit a stride last week. Over the last six days, we joined our friends with ONE Twin Cities in visiting Representative Paulsen; connected with hundreds at Substance's Manifestation; participated in Earth Hour at Common Roots Cafe; tabled during an excellent multi-faith discussion on immigration and food at Faith Mennonite Church; collected 99 signatures in support of the Waxman Dear Colleague letter; prepared to table at a Bloc Party concert (which was unfortunately cancelled); and presented the Sisters of the Planet video to a new audience. All in six days through the work of twelve volunteers and the support of many other individuals and partner groups. Thanks to everyone who made it happen!