| The debate is over. We've agreed that the world is | | | | because they lack the resources and the access to |
| at risk from global warming. Even President Bush | | | | cope. This was made clear, as image after image of |
| agrees, after years of denying the problem. | | | | those hit the hardest were people of modest means |
| Physical and social scientists tell us that it is the poor, | | | | and people of color. In fact, in the Chicago heat |
| the very young, the old, and those with disabilities | | | | wave of 1995, African Americans were twice as |
| who suffer, and will continue to suffer, most from | | | | likely to die as whites. The elderly, many of whom |
| the effects of global warming. Sadly the rich nations, | | | | could not afford air conditioning, made up most of |
| and particularly those within them who have the | | | | the victims." |
| most, no longer seem to care about those least of | | | | The Kucinich amendment failed by recorded vote: 170 |
| their brethren, as demonstrated by the millions of | | | | - 251 in Roll No. 211. H.R. 5441 remains unfinished |
| people who die every day from hunger and exposure | | | | business until the House returns in June after the |
| throughout the world while the disparities between | | | | Memorial Day recess. |
| the rich and poor continue to grow. The | | | | The Environmental Justice and Climate Change |
| environmental change will exacerbate those issues. | | | | Initiative is an effort by 28 U.S. environmental justice, |
| In October 2002 the Black Leadership Forum, the | | | | climate justice, religious, policy, and advocacy groups |
| Southern Organizing Committee for Economic and | | | | to call for action from the Bush Administration and |
| Social Justice, the Georgia Coalition for The People's | | | | Congress on climate change. The EJCC Initiative's "10 |
| Agenda, and Clear the Air put together a report | | | | Principles for Just Climate Change Policies in the |
| about the unequal effects of global warming on | | | | United States" include: |
| African Americans. They concluded that African | | | | 1. Stop Cooking the Planet. Slow the release of |
| Americans are particularly at risk from pollution | | | | greenhouse gases and find alternative energy |
| because they live in areas where there are more | | | | sources. |
| pollutants. | | | | 2. Protect and empower vulnerable individuals and |
| On July 20, 2004 Congresswoman Eddie Johnson and | | | | communities |
| the Congressional Black Caucus reported on the | | | | 3. Ensure just transition for workers and communities |
| negative consequences of global warming on the | | | | as we transition from a fossil fuel-based economy to |
| African American population. They have declared the | | | | a renewable energy-based economy. |
| need to take action internationally and support | | | | 4. Require community participation at all levels of |
| measures to reduce air pollutants that add to global | | | | government. |
| warming. | | | | 5. Work on the problem on global scale cooperatively. |
| Speaking from the floor of the House during debate | | | | 6. The U.S. must lead. |
| on H.R. 5441, the Department of Homeland Security | | | | 7. Stop exploration for fossil fuels. |
| Appropriations Act, this year, Congressman Kucinich | | | | 8. Monitor domestic and international carbon markets |
| offered an amendment to conduct a comprehensive | | | | 9. Take precautionary measures to minimize harm to |
| study of the increase in demand for FEMA's | | | | the global climate. |
| emergency response and disaster relief services that | | | | 10. Protect future generations through the sustainable |
| he observed is related to weather related disasters | | | | use of resources. |
| tied to global warming, particularly as expected during | | | | The issues of global warming aren't just for scientists |
| the next 20 years. Kucinich spoke eloquently about | | | | anymore. They effect us all. So it is important for |
| the problem: | | | | individuals and communities to look carefully at these |
| "Hurricane Katrina gave us another grim warning, | | | | declarations to see how well we are doing what we |
| telling us not only what we should expect, but | | | | can to stop the expansion of activities that lead to |
| showing us what happens if we are not prepared. | | | | further and further erosion of the planet and global |
| "Katrina showed us that when disasters hit, the most | | | | warming that can produce terrible consequences. In |
| vulnerable among us become even more vulnerable, | | | | other words, the responsibility is ours, everywhere. |