Help the poor...ignore climate change?

Climate change is already devastating crops, destroying homes, and causing unnecessary deaths around the world. Help stop climate change and fight against climate misinformation at DaySix.org. Dear Supporter, The climate campaign we launched last week -- DaySix.org -- is picking up steam. But we're already seeing pushback from those who deny climate change is a problem at all. The Cornwall Alliance, a conservative Christian organization that has opposed climate legislation, had this reaction to DaySix.org: "The best thing we can do to help the poor around the world is to stop trying to fight climate change." This isn't just wrong, it's costing lives. While groups like the Cornwall Alliance work to block climate legislation, climate change continues to worsen -- with disastrous effects for people in poor countries. Congress needs to know these groups don't speak for us. Fight back against climate misinformation: Sign the petition at DaySix.org. While the Cornwall alliance might not think we need to worry about climate change, people already feeling its impacts tell a different story: Climate change is affecting crop production. In rural Peru, farmers report that irregular rains and intense heat have wiped out half their production of staple crops like corn and potatoes. A government study found nearly 350,000 acres of crops have been lost due to climate change. [1] There are now 26 million refugees and displaced people due to climate change. [2] The WHO estimates climate change causes 150,000 deaths per year in developing countries. [3] These are bleak statistics, but there is hope. With just a little support from us, new crops, advanced warning systems, mosquito nets and other strategies will save lives. Clearly, the best thing we can do to "help the poor" is not to ignore climate change, but to confront it head-on while making sure low-income people can cope with its effects and rising energy prices. For too long, people spreading misinformation about climate change and its effects have pressured our politicians into delaying action on this critical issue. Go to DaySix.org and sign the petition. Tell Congress to ignore the misinformation and act now. Millions of lives around the world depend on it. Thanks for all you do, Beth, Katie, Dan, Kristin and Jennifer The Faithful America team Sources: [1] http://www.oxfamamerica.org/articles/climate-change-affecting-peru-right-now [2] http://www.oxfamamerica.org/files/bp130-suffering-science-english-020709.pdf [3] http://en.cop15.dk/blogs/view+blog?blogid=1014 Click here to unsubscribe All content © 2008 Faithful America 1101 Vermont Avenue, 9th Floor Washington, DC 20005