Inside the Greenhouse is a monthly update on FCNL’s environmental advocacy and the climate crisis.
Hurricanes Helene and Milton Devastate the Southeastern U.S.
Our hearts are heavy for people living in the southeastern United States who lost power, homes, and lives from Hurricanes Helene and Milton. The ferocity of these storms worsened because of climate change.
We’re still waiting to see the full impacts of Milton. We know more than 200 people died because of Helene, making it the third deadliest storm to hit the mainland U.S. this century. “We’ve never seen such widespread devastation and destruction as we’re seeing in this region,” said Jason Hollifield, Duke Energy storm director for the Carolinas.
Helene ravaged the Appalachian region of western North Carolina. The city of Asheville, over 2,000 feet above sea level and previously labeled a top “climate haven,” experienced mudslides and flooding that washed away roads and swallowed entire neighborhoods. The storm highlights how the climate crisis is impacting communities around the country and the world in unexpected ways.
Please consider donating to support victims of Helene and Milton if you are able. We’re holding the victims of these natural disasters in the Light.
News and Updates
The Peace Churches Hold Webinar on Climate Change and Conflict
FCNL, Mennonite Central Committee, and Church of the Brethren recently hosted a webinar on climate change, conflict and peacebuilding. Speakers talked about how peacebuilders in Africa and Southeast Asia are addressing climate change-induced conflicts in their communities.
The speakers included Sibonokuhle Ncube from the Mennonite Mission Network, Lemmy Thomas Aniah from Church of the Brethren (EYN), and Victor Odinda from MCC Cambodia. FCNL’s Daren Caughron shared how international climate finance can support this important work and help enable peace.
FCNL is urging Congress to protect international climate finance funding in this year’s federal spending bill, which needs to pass by December 20. Tell your members of Congress to support funding for the important work of peacebuilders like Ncube, Aniah, and Odinda!
NYC’s Climate Week Sets Stage for Global Climate Discussions This Fall
The 15th Annual Climate Week last month served as a forum to build political momentum going into the United Nation’s Climate Summit, or COP29. Climate Week was organized on the theme “It’s Time.” It highlighted the urgent need for ambitious climate action and the role of the private sector in solving the climate crisis. During Climate Week, the US Green Bank consortium was launched to coordinate investments in clean energy.
At COP29, leaders will negotiate a new global goal on international climate finance. FCNL, and many faith partners will be there to follow the negotiations. They will lobby the U.S. and other rich countries to support an ambitious goal for climate finance.
The EPA Launches Environmental Justice Climate Corps
The Environmental Protection Agency will partner with Americorps to launch an Environmental Justice Climate Corps (EJCC) Program. This program will recruit 250 young people to work in, and with, communities most impacted by environmental justice issues.
The EJCC program is part of the American Climate Corps, established by President Biden in September 2023. It offers jobs in conservation, clean energy, and climate resilience to young people with the goal of mobilizing 20,000 Americans.
What We’re Reading:
