Inside the Greenhouse is a monthly update on FCNL’s environmental advocacy and the climate crisis.
The United States and China Engage in Climate Diplomacy
Last month, the United States and China held climate talks in Washington, DC. The US global climate envoy, John Podesta, met his Chinese counterpart, Liu Zhenmin, for their first formal bilateral meeting. They discussed how they could collaborate to reduce methane emissions, address deforestation, and cooperate ahead of the climate summit in Azerbaijan this fall.
“We need to mobilize trillions of dollars to transform the global economy from one that’s running on polluting fossil fuels to one that’s running on clean energy,” Podesta said.
China and the US have the responsibility to finance solutions to ensure a resilient and sustainable world.
FCNL welcomes the discussions between the two rivals, China and the US. “The rivalry puts everyone at greater risk from both nuclear weapons and climate catastrophe,” wrote Carla Montilla and Sofia Guerra. Their recently published article explains the importance of US-China cooperation in addressing climate change and the risk of nuclear war.
News and Updates
FCNL Joins Faith Partners in Advocating for Climate Policies
Last month, FCNL joined Interfaith Power and Light’s (IPL) Faith Climate Action Week. IPL and FCNL share a mission of inspiring and mobilizing people of faith to take just action on climate change. FCNL staff lobbied alongside IPL for policies to create a more sustainable world. This includes international climate aid and conservation funding for agriculture in the Farm Bill.
|
|
|
From left to right: Gretchen Reinhardt (IPL), Emma Reidy (Rep. Gallego), Ris Ruiz (IPL), Melanie Beikman (IPL), Carla Montilla (FCNL), and Daren Caughron (FCNL) |
U.S. and Kenya Strengthen Climate Partnership
At the end of the state visit of Kenyan President William Ruto last month to the US, both countries announced a new climate partnership. The US-Kenya Climate and Clean Energy Industrial Partnership focuses on clean energy deployment, green industrialization, and the alleviation of debt burdens. Projects covered by the agreement include investments in hydropower and electric vehicle startups in Kenya.
Both countries also agreed to reform multilateral development banks to take more action on climate change as they provide lending support for developing nations.
Great News: The U.S. Has a Record Number of Honeybees – We Can Do Big Things!
While beekeepers still face issues in maintaining bee colonies, thanks to steps taken in the past few years we no longer face a bee population crisis. Just like our collective action to start fixing the ozone layer, this wonderful news is proof that when we act decisively in the face of existential environmental threats, we can overcome them! This hope drives that work we do.
Welcome Anabel to the Sustainable Energy and Environment Team!
Welcome to Anabel Kadri, who is joining FCNL as the sustainable energy and environment program’s summer intern! She is a rising senior at Tulane University studying environmental earth science. Through her research experiences, she realized the importance of addressing climate change through legislative action.
Kadri is passionate about the environment and desires to make progress towards a more sustainable future. We’re excited to have her. Welcome, Anabel!
What We’re Reading:
-
From FCNL’s Carla Montilla and Sofia Guerra: The U.S. and China Are Up Against Nuclear and Climate Clocks
-
From FCNL’s General Secretary, Bridget Moix: Why Americans of Faith Need to Care About Reducing Harm to the Environment Abroad
-
Coal-producing Wyoming Could Soon Host One Of Largest Solar Farms In US
-
Industrialized Countries Meet $100B Climate Finance Pledge, Two Years Late
-
Deadly Floods in Brazil Were Worsened by Climate Change, Study Finds
