Lawmakers are debating groundbreaking legislation that would substantially reduce greenhouse gases by the year 2050.  The “Boxer-Lieberman-Warner Climate Security Act of 2008” (S.3036) would reduce the emission of airborne toxins in order to curb the negative effects of climate change on the environment and public health.

The debate over climate change will touch all of our lives, but the impacts of it often hit hardest on poor people.  Specific provisions of the climate change bill are desirable to the extent that they reflect the demands of prudent action, promote the common good, and offer some protections for poor people.

Moving towards better stewardship of the environment is vital for all.  Catholic social teaching calls us to preserve and protect the treasures of Creation so that we can pass them on to later generations.  Moreover, the burdens of ecological waste and carelessness should not fall on the poorest among us.  CLICK HERE to read more and to take action.

*Information adapted from the USCCB Office of Justice, Peace and Human Development.