Inside the Greenhouse is a monthly newsletter about FCNL’s environmental work, ways to engage members of Congress, and stories that impact our work.

U.N. Releases Sobering Climate Report

Last month, the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) released a landmark report on the levels of warming our planet can safely withstand and the steps we will need to take to avert a climate crisis. The prognosis is worse than many had previously thought.

“The report is quite a shock, and quite concerning,” said Bill Hare, a physicist with the nonprofit Climate Analytics and a co-author of past IPCC reports.

In a departure from previous climate research, the report predicted extreme impacts by 2040 if global temperatures were to rise 1.5 degrees Celsius, or 2.7 degrees Fahrenheit, above pre-industrial levels. Previous research had estimated similar damages in the event of a 2-degree Celsius increase. The earth has already warmed by 1 degree Celsius since the 19th century and, unless we drastically curb emissions, we are on pace to meet or exceed that 2-degree rise. And while the difference between 1.5 and 2 degrees might seem small, a global shift of half a degree could have profound consequences.

Read my full blog post on the IPCC report here.

Faith Leaders Decry Environmental Regulatory Rollbacks

Last week, 132 faith organizations from 33 states released a letter urging the Trump administration to halt its dangerous anti-regulatory agenda. The administration has already attempted to weaken or rescind more than 70 environmental regulations.

These rules protect vulnerable communities, and rolling them back puts our neighbors, in the U.S. and across the world, in harm’s way. As people of faith, we have a responsibility to leave future generations a world where they can thrive and achieve their full potential.

The Climate Solutions Caucus remained at 90 members this month.

News and Updates

Climate is a Hot Issue in the Elections
In several races in the midterm elections, climate change has emerged as a critical issue during the midterm elections. In Washington State, voters will decide on whether to approve the country’s first carbon tax.

Bolder Action Needed
The world is on track to exceed its “carbon budget” in 12 years, which will warm the planet beyond safe levels, unless we take much bolder action on climate change.

More Methane
Trump’s methane rollbacks will release more of one of the most harmful greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.

A Prize for Climate Economics
The Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences was recently awarded to William Nordhaus, who has spent his career urging governments to take action on climate change.

Your Actions Matter
Major companies and governments are most responsible for climate change, but individual actions can make a difference. Besides meeting with your members of Congress, here are some simple things you can do today to help.

Save the Date:

Emily Wirzba on God’s Creation: Post Election Webinar
Emily Wirzba, FCNL’s Legislative Representative for Sustainable Energy and Environment, will be a featured speaker on an upcoming webinar exploring the impacts of the midterm elections on climate change advocacy work. The webinar, hosted by the United Church of Christ’s Environmental Justice Ministry and Alabama Interfaith Power & Light, will take place on Nov. 12, 2018 at 1:00 p.m. ET. Register to join here.

Spotlight: Vote for the Planet

As the IPCC report made clear, the next few years are critical for the future of our climate. On Tuesday, Nov. 6, vote with climate in mind—and most importantly, vote! Commit to vote, then make a plan.

Below, FCNL’s Alicia McBride and her husband Sam voted early this weekend.

P.S. Climate change is already here, and it affects us all. That’s why we are working every day to advance bipartisan climate solutions in Congress. Strengthen our efforts by making a donation today.