**01.27.10 – The passion and ministry of The Rev. Sally Bingham, Executive Director of California Interfaith Power and Light and The Regeneration Project, was highlighted in the Wall Street Journal.

**Green Tech Sector Fastest-Growing in California

With the rapid expansion of Green Tech companies in California, green jobs are outpacing the growth general employment. From 1995 to 2008, clean tech jobs in such areas as energy efficiency and renewable energies grew by 36%; this compared to 13% in the same period for general employment. Click here to read the LA Times article on the report. The report, entitled Many Shades of Green, was put out by Next 10, a nonprofit research company in Palo Alto.

One: It’s important not to be distracted by local weather patterns when what’s important here is global climate change – the long term changes in weather systems and temperatures all over the world caused by rising greenhouse gas emissions.

Two: Globally, the last decade was the warmest decade on record. Before that, the 1990s was the hottest decade. We are experiencing a well-documented global warming trend, which is not contradicted by snowstorms.

Three: In fact, more intense storms – winter and summer – with more precipitation are consistent with global warming impact projections.

Four: The dominant factor in the 2010 Washington, DC storms was the increased level of moisture, as opposed to colder temperatures. Increased moisture in the atmosphere from increased ocean evaporation is consistent with a warming world.

On February 10, The New York Times ran an article highlighting the various interpretations of the cold snap in the East Coast. While we, as people of faith, understand that, even in the absence of a climate crisis, are called to love the Earth and live responsibly.

RealClimate.org – Climate Science from Climate Scientists

The Met Office – United Kingdom

New Scientist

Clarification of Hacked E-mails from the Climate Research Unit

At-a-Glance: The Role of Faith and Common Climate Change Questions

As people of faith, we are called upon to respond especially to the most vulnerable in our world. This includes those who are and will be affected most by climate change, but who did the least to contribute to it.  We are charged to remember that the entire planet – including humanity – is not only God’s creation, but infused with God’s very self. Thus, when we respect the Earth, we respect God; when we misuse the Earth and her inhabitants, we are turning our backs on our Creator.

Is global warming real?

Yes – the scientific evidence is overwhelming.  In addition to countless reports by many well-respected scientists all over the globe, the International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) states that there has been an estimated 1.3 degree Fahrenheit rise in temperature since pre-Industrial times. The IPCC is an international scientific body of roughly 1,000 scientists. The IPCC holds conferences every 5-6 years to discuss and present their latest research. The National Academy of Sciences is a nationally-recognized organization activein the fields of science and public awareness. Their on-going research includes a suite of climate studies entitled America’s Climate Choices.

The IPCC shared the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize with former U.S. Vice President Al Gore; the former for its excellent leadership in science on the issue; and the latter for making this science more understandable to the public at large.

In addition to scientists, legislators, people of faith and environmental organizations, the Pentagon is taking the threat of climate change very seriously. As early as February 2004, the Pentagon was warning the American administration that ‘Disruption and conflict will be endemic features of life’ in many countries. One military spokesman, Ret. Vice-Admiral Dennis McGinn, has been speaking on the subject, including giving a statement to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee in July 2009. He stated that climate change is a “…threat multiplier for instability.”

What about people who say the Earth is cooling, especially with the very cold 2010 winter?

1998 was an unusually warm year because of the naturally occurring El Nino. This phenomena is linked to marked increased global temperatures and events such as hurricanes. 2005 was the first year that came close to being as hot as 1998; therefore, there was a false perception in non-scientific circles that the Earth was cooling. This perception is wrong. In fact, 11 of the hottest years on record have occurred since 1998, including 2009. An excellent primer on the misunderstanding  of global cooling has been put out by the Union of Concerned Scientists.

Are we sure human behavior is responsible for these changes?

Yes. The key here is to understand the link between humanity’s burning of coal, oil and gas, and the increasing level of carbon dioxide and other heat-trapping gases, such as methane and water vapor, (referred to as “CO2/eq.”) Prior to the Industrial Revolution, CO2/eq remained at roughly 280 parts per million (ppm) in the atmosphere. Recent studies have shown that the current level of almost 390 ppm is the highest in 2.1 million years. What has changed? Humanity’s burning of coal, oil and natural gas, all of which are trapping an increased amount of heat in the atmosphere.

Post Updated 01.28.10

California Interfaith Power and Light is 500 members strong, and growing! We need your help in continuing to grow our organization. Encourage your friends at other faith communities to join in.

Help us reach our goal of adding 100 new members in 2010!

San Rafael 350 Vigil- Led by Unity in Marin Ecos Group!

CIPL Member Congregations held vigils across the state to urge our world leaders to create binding CO2 Emissions Reductions Targets.

Send in your photos and we will add them to our site!

Why 350 times?

350 refers to 350 parts per million: This is the safe upper limit for CO2 in our atmosphere according to many scientists, climate experts, and progressive national governments. For all of human history until about 200 years ago, our atmosphere contained 275 ppm of CO2, but now the concentration stands at 390 ppm.  Unless we are able to rapidly reduce CO2 levels again, we risk reaching tipping points and irreversible impacts such as the melting of the Greenland ice sheet and major methane releases from increased permafrost melt.

Learn more about the scientific background  and sign the “Interfaith Call for 350″ at www.350.org/people/faith.

How can your church or group join in?

By joining hands with Christians around the world we can have a greater impact in order to stop the destruction of God’s creation and of human livelihoods. If your group or parish wants to join [in witnessing on Dec. 13]:

please let us know by sending an email to the WCC climate change desk;

spread the message: you can use the WCC climate change info brochure (printed copies can be requested from the WCC climate change desk); you can also tape a video message (take inspiration from the filming guidelines created by CIDSE)

download the campaign logo to create your own posters etc. for the event:

for web use: jpg file (630 KB)

for print: eps file (473 KB)

This logo has been contributed by the National Council of Churches in Denmark. It may be used freely by churches, parishes and related groups wishing to take part in the campaign. In no case is the logo allowed to be used for non-related events or for any commercial purposes.

invite other religious communities, including brothers and sisters from other faiths, to join;

you may also wish to create your own celebration or worship service: Take inspiration from the liturgies prepared by the NCC Denmark and by the worship committee at the Ecumenical Centre in Geneva. More ideas can be found on the website of the Ecumenical Advocacy Alliance.

For more information, see the WCC web site:  www.oikoumene.org/en/events-sections/countdown-to-climate-justice/bellringing.html

Also:  Dec. 11 and 12 Candlelight Vigils around the world

LETTER from 350.org founder, environmental author & Methodist, Bill McKibben:

Dear Friends,

…we’re hoping some of you will start or join a candlelight vigil at a strategic or iconic location in your community on Dec. 11th or 12th.

The weekend for these vigils falls smack in the middle of the two-week Copenhagen talks…We need to send a signal to say that speeches and prizes are good, but action is what’s really required–enough action to head us back towards 350 parts per million.

Obama will bring an emissions target to the table in Copenhagen, a bittersweet development in this political drama.  Sweet because having any sort of commitment from the U.S. increases the chances of global collaboration on a climate deal, bitter because US emissions target represents a paltry 3% reductions below 1990 levels–far from the ambitious cuts scientists say are necessary to get back to 350.

The United States now holds a big key to unlock this process, and we need Obama and the U.S. Congress to turn that key–which is why many of the candlelight vigils will take place at U.S. senate offices, and at U.S. embassies and consulates around the world.

The timing here is crucial: the vigils are part of a huge mobilization on the weekend of December 12th, mid-way through the negotiations.  The climate talks will build to a head a few days later, as our allies and champions–people like President Nasheed of the Maldives–struggle to get a document that represents “a survival pact, not a suicide pact.”  They have said repeatedly that their survival depends on getting back to 350, and it will help them immensely if delegates from other nations know that back home people are keeping up the pressure and demanding a real deal.  I’ll be in Copenhagen on the weekend of December 12th to help organize a vigil with the350.org team–and my hope is that you can join this effort by organizing a vigil locally.

Click this link to start a local vigil: www.350.org/vigil

Or this link to search for one near you: www.350.org/map

…Light candles, bring signs, and display any 350 action photos you might have–and consider spelling out a big illuminated 350 somehow.  Send a message for your local media to see: after all, they’ll be interested in a local angle on the big international story. This is a symbolic act, but when it comes to making political change, symbolism counts.

Here’s the deal: the huge day of action on October 24 was a tremendous start, and it’s hard to believe that it was only a month ago that you created what’s being called “the most widespread day of political action in history.” It took the most important number on earth and made it one of the most well-known.

Copenhagen continues that process–with the whole world paying attention, we need to remind our leaders that we don’t need rhetoric, we need change. Fast.

Onwards,

Bill McKibben, 350.org

P.S. We need to build the movement now more than ever–can you spread the links to the candlelight vigils to at least 35 friends via e-mail, Twitter, and Facebook.  Click the links above to share the movement in 30 seconds with two clicks.

Welcome to CIPL’s 4th Annual Emissions Survey! Your participation is crucial as we tally the amount of energy saved by our CIPL members throughout 2009. Our congregations are saving more energy with every passing year. In 2008, CIPL member congregations prevented over 25 million tons of carbon dioxide and equivalent greenhouse gases from entering the atmosphere. We anticipate further reductions in 2009. Why is this important? The data gathered will go into our 2009 Annual Report – a practical tool that we show to legislators and the general public, proving the commitment and action of the faith community. In fact, we will have our 2009 Annual Emissions Report ready to show our legislators on Capitol Hill at the Interfaith Power & Light Lobby Day in May, 2010.

You may want to have a person trained in Facilities to answer the questions about the buildings your congregation uses, while the head of your Green Team or Justice and Peace ministry will know the most about Education and Public Policy issues.

If there are any questions, just call Allis at (310) 752-3436. Thank you again for taking action to address climate change.

Read here for a summary of our 2008 Annual Emissions Survey, in which our member congregations prevented at least 25 million pounds of CO2/equivalent from entering the atmosphere!

Celebrating Success, Acting for the Future

(For full pdf report, click here.)

Many Faiths, One Cause: California Interfaith Power and Light represents many faiths, but we have all come together  as one to take care of our world. And we have made an impact, not only in our own congregations, but in our communities, our state, and our region. Global warming represents an urgent call to action that people of faith  are answering. Our members’ achievements show the impact we can have by being better  stewards of Creation, and we’ll keep working to get more congregations involved. We celebrate our member congregations successes and will re-double our efforts in acting for the future!

One: Summary of Results
71 congregations responded to our 2008 survey. As a result of their cumulative actions, 25,023,158 pounds  of carbon dioxide emissions were prevented from entering the atmosphere. This is the equivalent of:
•    Annual    greenhouse    gas    emisions    from    2,079 passenger  vehicles
•    CO2 emissions from 26,397 barrels of oil consumed
•    CO2 emissions from the electricity use of 1,574 homes  for one year
And this is only from 71 respondents! CIPL works with 500 congregations in California, so this number is much higher. We look forward to starting our 2009 survey in early 2010 and having many more congregations participate. Keep tuned!

Did You Know? The average amount of energy used in just one of our California congregations would power an average of four faith communities in the developing world. To measure your congregation’s carbon footprint and to see how “cool” you are, visit: www.coolcongregations.org

Two: Energy Efficiency

CIPL energy efficiency measures saved 14,547,153 kilowatt hours in 2008 and over $2 million was saved on energy costs.
•    A CFL uses only 25% of the energy of the common incandescent bulb.
•    LEDs, often found in everyday items like exit signs, use only about 12% of the    energy of incandescent bulbs, so installing them can yield a huge energy savings.

Energy Efficiency – Case in Point: St. Anselm’s, Lafayette: ** St. Anselm’s in Lafayette knows energy efficiency. Because of its    solar    roof,  78%    of    the    church’s    electrical    requirements is powered by the sun, and their electric bill went from $3,100 in    2005    to    zero    in    the    last    12    months.  CFL    lighting    with programmable thermostats and motion-activated lights were
also installed so that spaces are heated/cooled/lighted only when occupied and necessary.

Action Item: If you haven’t done so already,  change out your old bulbs.  It’s quick and easy. See  the lighting section of  www.shopipl.org for choices and discounts. It also has a myriad of energy-efficient items and appliances for your facility.

Three: Renewable Energy

In 2008, more member congregations put solar panels on their houses of worship and an increasing number is looking into the possibility. Northern and Southern California Outreach Directors Jennifer Toth and Allis Druffel are keeping pace by offering solar financing and information workshops. We also have a Solar Financing Guide that is being updated with latest information. Give us a call if you are interested in solar – we’re always happy to help!

Renewable Energy Case in Point: Unitarian Universalist Church of Berkeley:** After many years of discussing the possibility of installing solar panels, the UUCB   made    it    a    reality    in    November    2008.    Its    37kw solar system results in  an average savings of $1,500/month in energy costs. The price of the solar system, which was purchased through a combination of individual congregant contributions and the sale of stock from the church endowment, will be paid off in 14 years from   the energy savings. This is good news for the church and the investors, but better news for the atmosphere with the reduction in greenhouse gases. In addition, through a persistent campaign of changing out incandescent lights to CFLs, T-8s,   and LEDs, the UUCB and the Berkeley Fellowship of Unitarian Universalists have saved an estimated $90,000 in energy use since the mid-1980s.

Four: Water Conservation and Other Cool Ideas

Did You Know? WATER = ENERGY
An estimated 20% of California’s energy usage goes just into moving water around the state. So saving water also saves energy and reduces greenhouse gases.

As we all know, it’s heating up in the American Southwest. In Southern California in particular, Bill Patzert, a Jet Propulsion Laboratory climatologist and oceanograper states, “Summers as we now know them are likely to begin in May and continue into the fall. What we call ‘scorcher’ days today will be normal tomorrow. Our snow pack will be  less, our fire seasons will be longer, and unhealthy air alerts will be a summer staple.” Patzert points to global warming due to  increased greenhouse gases, and to a phenomenon called “urban heat island effect.”

Our member congregations have been responding to the heat. Instead of getting out of the kitchen, they are taking strong measures to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases.

Water Conservation Case in Point: Temple Beth El, Berkeley: ** Recognizing the inevitable link between increased heat and decreased water supply, some congregations, like Temple Beth El in Berkeley, are installing drought tolerant landscaping. This is just one of the features of their new eco-friendly building, which also includes a geothermal heating and cooling system.

Five: Education and Advocacy
CIPL member congregations recognize that every action taken –whether it is the installation of solar panels or changing to CFL lights – adds up in reducing their carbon footprint. Moreover, communities of faith aim not just for external action but for the transformation of hearts and minds to a conscience of respecting
all that is around us. And, in this respect our congregations are truly stars. Consider:
•        75% of survey respondents gave sermons on
environmental issues
•        66% offered educational programs with topics such as
simple living and the reduction of carbon footprints
•        33% sent letters to legislators and/or did other
types of advocacy on energy issues

Did You Know? 53 out of 71 congregations surveyed for 2008 delivered
at least one sermon on global warming. Sermons are one of the most effective tools of education and action –encourage those who give sermons at your congregation to keep it up!

Education and Advocacy: Examples Abound!** Through    their    ECOS    (Ecology Cosmology and Spirituality) program, Unity in Marin offered programs called “A Sense of Place” in which reverence for all living things is. Their many-faceted ministry includes nature walks and support for organic gardening and Fair Trade products. The TREE (Trinity Respecting Earth and Environment)   ministry at Trinity Cathedral, Sacramento, holds classes, shows movies,
holds alternative Christmas fairs and Earth Day fairs, and highlights “eco-tips” in
their weekly bulletins. The Unitarian Universalist Church of Riverside has a long and varied career in outreach to its own congregants and to the broader community through movies, sermons and courses such as the Low Carbon Diet. The UUCR has representation on the Environmental Council of the the City of Riverside, which has been designated an “Emerald City” for its leadership in
sustainability.

California Interfaith Power and Light celebrates the measures undertaken by these congregations and by ALL our member congregations that are working to reduce energy consumption and restore Creation! For the full report, click here.

Valentine’s Day Preach-In:

Clergy Highlight Love for Creation, Urge Action on Climate Legislation

Over 50 California congregations participated in a national Valentine’s Day Preach-In this weekend focused on global warming. The events included sermons, film screenings, and discussions focused on the call to love our neighbors and the earth by taking action on environmental stewardship. Over 400 congregations in 40 states participated in the effort. California Interfaith Power and Light, which assisted in coordinating the event, works with 500 congregations state-wide on energy reduction, energy efficiency, and sustainable energy measures, as well as legislation advocacy.

In addition to education, a major goal of the Preach-In was to urge the U.S. Senate to move quickly to curb global warming. After services, participating congregations sent thousands of valentines to their senators urging them to “love the Earth for Valentine’s Day.”  Besides sermons, congregations also screened films and hosted discussions on putting faith into action on climate stewardship.

Clergy from all major faith religions participated, demonstrating the unity and power of the faith community in calling for strong comprehensive climate and energy legislation this year.

“In Lent, God calls all of us to reconciliation,” said Pastor John Lasseigne from Mary Immaculate Church in Pacoima. Fr. Lasseigne will carry the message of the Preach-In to church services during Lent, a traditional Christian time for praying, fasting and reflecting. “Normally, reconciliation focuses on restoring our relationship with God and our brothers and sisters. This Lent, at our church, we will extend our reconciliation to all of God’s creation through prayer, lifestyle changes and social action.”

“The event was a big success,” said Rev. Sally Bingham, an Episcopal priest and president of Interfaith Power and Light. “As people of faith, we have a sacred duty to love our neighbor by caring for creation, and this weekend we put that faith into action. This is a clear message to the U.S. Senate: Americans of faith want action this year on climate legislation.”

Interfaith Power and Light, a national organization with 31 state affiliates representing 10,000 member congregations, works to rally the nation’s faithful to be good stewards of energy and address global warming as a moral issue. Future events will continue to amplify the faith voice in the climate debate – in May, over 70 Interfaith Power and Light state leaders from 34 states will travel to Washington, D.C. to visit their senators in person to ask for climate legislation with a binding cap on carbon.

To sign up for more actions and alerts from the National IPL, click here.

CO2 levels highest now than in, at least, 2.1 million years

Scientists attribute current global warming to humanity’s actions (the burning of fossil fuels) by pointing to the rise of of CO2/equivalent in the atmosphere. Prior to the Industrial Revolution, the level of CO2 and equivalent greennhouse gases was roughly 280ppm. It now stands at almost 390ppm. A strong correllary has been shown between the level of CO2 and global temperature; thus, a rise is CO2 means a rise in temperature.

Scientists have recently concluded that the current level of CO2 is the highest in 2.1 million years. See the following articles:

Mongabay.com

Eurekalert

National Geographic

We’re excited to be rolling out Interfaith Power & Light’s newest project entitled Carbon Covenant. This program links up congregations and people of faith in the U.S. with faith communities on the front lines of climate change in the developing world and offers a way to help out.  The four projects featured are faith communities in the developing world taking the initiative to mitigate climate change and protect their communities.  All of the projects address the number one source of greenhouse gas emissions in the developing world: deforestation.

In Cambodia, Buddhist Monks aim to protect a remote community forest from illegal logging by ordaining trees and patrolling the area. In Ghana, the Presbyterian Church is teaching alternative, sustainable livelihoods, from snail farming to bee keeping. In Cameroon, an interfaith project is fighting desertification through tree planting. And on the slopes of Kilimanjaro, a Lutheran bishop is making tree planting a condition of confirmation in the church.To learn more, click here.