c. 1998 Religion News Service
UNDATED _ Here are the key elements of the international treaty signed in Kyoto, Japan aimed at easing global warning and the key elements of the Ohio Interfaith Global Warming Campaign:
The Kyoto Protocol
_ Reductions: Reductions below 1990 levels are to take effect in 2008 and are to be achieved over five-year periods. The United States agreed to 7 percent, the European Union, 8 percent and Japan’s target is 6 percent.
_ Harmful Gases: The treaty covers six gases believed to contribute to global warming __ Carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons and sulfur hexafluoride.
_ Outcome: If the protocol is signed and properly implemented by the majority of countries who participated in the negotiations, it could reduce global emissions of greenhouse gases from industrialized nations to 30 percent below what would have occurred without an agreement.
_ Status: Signed by 160 nations, including the U.S., last December at the International Climate Summit in Kyoto, Japan. Now it remains with the president who must submit the treaty to the Senate to be ratified.
Key Elements of Ohio Interfaith Global Warming Campaign
_ Pray and consult scripture for the wisdom and strength to address global climate change as a violation of the integrity of God’s creation.
_ Distribute educational materials, offer sermons, and convene study groups to help our congregations understand and embrace this challenge and take action to conserve energy and reduce excessive use of fossil fuels.
_ Share religious perspective of global climate change with representatives of key sectors in our state-labor, business, agriculture, and environmental organizations, seeking ways to work together for the common good.
_ Reach out to others in the faith community not yet ready to address this particular issue but committed to care for God’s creation.
_ Organize our communities to meet with U.S. Senators to share our support of domestic initiates to reduce global warming and to ratify the kinds of equitable measures envisioned by the 160 nations in the Kyoto Protocol.
DEA END ROCKWOOD
