Support CPJ’s climate change work!

Climate change is a serious issue, one that has already affected life globally. The 17th Conference of the Parties (COP17) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) taking place in Durban, South Africa, has begun! There, leaders will discuss progress in dealing with climate change, and negotiate a new international agreement to replace the Kyoto Protocol, which expires this year. Canada’s Minister of the Environment travels to Durban next week.

CPJ created a petition based upon the Canadian Interfaith Call for Leadership and Action on Climate Change. It highlights CPJ’s value for the Earth and the importance of creation care. We hope to have many signed petitions tabled in the House of Commons during COP17 (November 28 – December 9, 2011). 25 signatures are required for a petition to be tabled, and do not need to be limited to any one geographical constituency. Over 400 petitions have already been delivered to MPs on Parliament Hill for tabling in the House. Other CPJ supporters (and members of faith communities) have reached out to their MPs and asked for meetings. If you are unable to deliver signed petitions to your MP, please send them to the CPJ office and we will ensure that they are tabled in the House.

It’s easy and important to get involved! Take a look at comments from CPJ supporters who have already taken up the petition in their communities:

I’ve been hugely disappointed by the lack of media coverage about the Durban meeting, and the need for the…federal government to take a strong position there in support of God’s threatened creation. This is a time for active citizenship, for all of us to raise our voices on this urgent issue. I was so encouraged that Canadian faith leaders united to issue their call for action, so I was happy to play my part by circulating the petition. People signed it eagerly – no one refused – and other members of our regional Anglican Environment Working Group also circulated the petition. I tip my hat to CPJ for its fine work through the petition effort; the strategy of having MPs present these petitions during the Durban meeting is an excellent one, and hopefully will draw media and public attention.

- Murray MacAdam, Social Justice and Advocacy Consultant, Anglican Diocese of Toronto

Climate change is gradual; and so has been my realization and acceptance that we cannot sit still. Our Canadian government seems bent on cutting back on its past commitments…Given the actual emissions, the trend is going the opposite way. The recent action by the leaders of diverse faiths in Canada has spurred me into gathering signatures on their petition to let Canadian parliamentarians know that the people want positive action. Two petitions have been submitted to The Hon. Jim Flaherty already. I just announced at my senior’s residence that we can sign this petition and the residents gladly and willingly did so. Last Sunday I sent a letter to all families in my church outlining the background and the actual wording of the petition, highlighting CPJ's role in it. This Sunday the actual petition will be there for them to sign. I am glad that CPJ is very actively promoting the fight against global warming before and during the climate talks in Durban, South Africa.

- Frederick Wind, current CPJ board member

The petition is available in English and French on our website. While you’re there, read the Call for Leadership and Action, the important document that was the basis for the petition. Reports on the recent Interfaith Forum on Faith and the Climate, which took place on Parliament Hill with faith leaders and MPs, are also posted.

Please distribute the petition among your family, friends and community. Let your voice be heard during the UNFCCC in Durban, South Africa. The time for climate change action is now!