Maine is one of the most beautiful states in the country. We want to keep it that way... Because we are concerned for the state of our natural environment worldwide, we are working hard to reduce our consumption and to educate others to do so as well. If you would like to know how every kilowatt counts in this effort, check out our energy savings worksheet(described below) -- find out why more communities are turning to green power, and how buying "green power" can make a big difference! New Interfaith Electronic Climate Change Network is Launched January 15, 2002, NEW YORK CITY - U.S. faith community work to protect the environment has a new component - a Web-based electronic advocacy network. The new Interfaith Climate Change Network - www.protectingcreation.org -offers religious people of all faith communities an extensive stock of information and practical, specific actions for stewardship of creation, a concept included in many theologies. Along with energy conservation measures for households, congregations and communities, the Interfaith Climate Change Network facilitates advocacy for such energy-smart public policies as support for mass transit, stricter vehicle emissions standards and development of clean and renewable energy. It has sample letters to send to U.S. senators and representatives and other policy makers on line, and offers members periodic e-mail alerts to new developments and opportunities for public policy advocacy. The Interfaith Climate Change Network is co-sponsored by the National Council of Churches' Eco-Justice Working Group (NCC) and the Coalition on the Environment and Jewish Life (COEJL), both New York City-based, and is made possible by funding from the Turner Foundation. The NCC and COEJL enlisted the Carol/Trevelyan Strategy Group in Washington, D.C., to create and manage the new Web site. In 1995, the 2,500 scientists of the International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) officially confirmed that human activity is contributing to rapid climate change. In 2001, the IPCC reported that there is now convincing evidence linking human activity to higher land and ocean temperatures, rising sea levels, and thinning of snow and ice cover. The National Academy of Sciences also has concluded that "global warming is undoubtedly real" and requires policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. To stabilize atmospheric CO2, the IPCC determined that global emissions must be reduced below 1990 levels by at least 60 percent. Since 1990, they have increased about 15 percent. People of faith bring a particular perspective to work to protect the environment, said the Rev. Richard L. Killmer, the NCC's director of environmental justice. "Psalm 24 tells us, 'the Earth is the Lord's and all that is in it,'" he said. "We do not own it, but are to care for it as a sacred trust. Furthermore, as God's people, we are 'our brothers' and sisters' keepers and are to attend to the well-being of our neighbors and of future generations." "All of creation is threatened by climate change," Killmer continued. "Global warming hurts God's creation and God's people. Poor people in developing nations are most severely impacted by changing weather and rising seas and have the least capacity to adapt. Unless global warming is reversed, future generations will inherit an unstable climate, potentially catastrophic rises in sea level, migration of tropical diseases and disrupted agricultural production." Members of the Interfaith Climate Change Network are encouraged to take responsibility for dealing with global warming in their own choices and actions before expecting or demanding this of others. "Because we of the industrialized nations created the increase of greenhouse gases, we have a special responsibility to do something about it," Killmer said. "We can reduce our use of energy and of things we don't really need that require energy to make and use. We can help people in need improve their quality of life without using more energy from damaging sources. And we can inform ourselves about public policy relating to global warming at all levels - local, regional, national and international." About the Interfaith Climate Change Network's co-sponsors: The Eco-Justice Working Group of the National Council of Churches is made up of representatives from 23 national communions (denominations) that work together on environmental issues. The Coalition on the Environment and Jewish Life is a broad coalition of 29 national Jewish organizations representing the broad spectrum of Jewish life. COEJL has 13 regional affiliates across North America working in Jewish communities to organize environmental education, action and advocacy. Together, NCC and COEJL have organized 21 statewide interfaith climate change campaigns, which provide an opportunity for individuals and congregations to get involved in educating and organizing their communities. COEJL and the NCC are partners in the interfaith National Religious Partnership for the Environment, which also includes the U.S. Catholic Conference and the Evangelical Environmental Network.

LET THERE BE LIGHT: ENERGY CONSERVATION AND GOD'S CREATION - A Statement from the Maine Council of Churches LET THERE BE LIGHT: ENERGY CONSERVATION AND GOD'S CREATION A Statement from the Maine Council of Churches The Maine Council of Churches joins other religious leaders around the country in concern about the sustainability of God's creation - the earth - and about how public policy affects our economy, our public health and public lands, and the environment. As people of faith we are being called to consider national purpose, not just policy. We do not wish to debate our national leadership, but some things seem clear: 1) the planet is warming; 2) we bear at least partial responsibility; 3) new technologies for clean and efficient energy now make renewable energy a technological and economically feasible option. We are not scientists, energy experts, or policymakers. But because the challenge to neutralize the negative effects of climate change raises fundamental moral and religious questions, we believe the perspectives of faith and values should help shape the statewide and national discussion on energy conservation. Energy conservation is faithful stewardship "The Earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof" (Ps 24:1). In light and wind, in land and water, energy resources are abundant gifts for human well-being from our Creator God. But because we are called to "till and to tend the garden" (Gen 2:15), we have a moral obligation to choose safe, clean, and sustainable sources of energy to protect and preserve God's creation. Energy conservation is intergenerational duty The gifts of God's creation are to be conserved over time for God's children."This is the token of the covenant which I make between me and you and every living creature that is with you, for perpetual generations" (Gen 9:12). An energy policy which depletes energy resources, causes global warming, fouls the air with pollution through the burning of fossil fuels, and poisons the land with radioactive waste diminishes our children's and grandchildren's health and future well-being. On the other hand, investment in clean technology, renewable energy, greater vehicle fuel efficiency, energy conservation measures, and safer power plants (old and new) will both conserve what we have now and preserve options for our descendants. Conservation and Justice The prophet Micah says "What does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and walk humbly with your God" (Micah 6:8). The gifts of God's creation must be shared fairly among God's children. Energy policy must be an instrument of social and economic justice here and abroad. The first beneficiaries of a new energy policy should be "the least among us"- the poor, the vulnerable, and the sick. To them we can provide assistance with high energy bills, less expensive mass transportation options, cleaner air by reducing pollution from power plants, and lower gasoline prices through strict monitoring of oil companies for price-gouging. Energy conservation is justice. Energy Conservation Makes Good Sense There is no single solution to the present energy challenge. We do not have to sacrifice economic security to assure environmental health. But prudence - the application of moral principle in service to the common good - should guide us to meet immediate needs in such a way as to enhance, not diminish future sustainability. And where there are genuine risks to health and well-being, the principle of precaution should guide our actions. More investment in renewable energy and fuel efficiency is now a moral imperative especially because these are technologically feasible and economically viable. Maine Council of Churches' Initiative Rooted in these values, the Maine Council of Churches has organized the Maine Interfaith Climate Change Initiative to raise awareness of the far-reaching destructive effects of our current reliance on fossil fuels, to involve congregations in energy conservation, and to make our concerns known to elected officials. In just over a year, this successful effort has reached denominational leaders and faith communities throughout the state. As a result of our work with Maine congregations, over 1000 people have signed letters of intent to purchase green power through Maine Interfaith Power & Light. In addition, churches have carried out energy audits, organized special educational workshops and programs of worship focused on climate change and earth stewardship, pledged to reduce their own contributions to global warming, and made known their concerns to elected officials and the general public through letters, meetings, and articles in the media. Over the coming year, the Climate Change Initiative will continue to provide information and inspiration to our congregations so that they may study and take action to reduce the negative impact of climate change. We have launched a "Let There Be Light" six-month campaign at the summer solstice to focus the interfaith community's attention on energy conservation and efficiency. In December during the Christian and Jewish seasons of light -Advent and Hanukkah - we will celebrate the accomplishment of one specific goal for the campaign - to prevent the emission into the atmosphere of at least one million pounds of carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas. We call on all the citizens of Maine, including the members of our congregations, to consider carefully the values we here present, which should guide our individual energy choices and by which we should judge energy policy options. In securing human well-being by preserving creation and promoting justice, conservation becomes a personal and a public virtue - a comprehensive moral value - a standard for everything we do to assure energy for a wholesome way of life. We pray that the wisdom, faith, and solidarity of Maine people will bring us together to redirect our national and state energy policies towards conservation, efficiency, justice, and maximum use of the perennial abundance of clean and renewable energy that our Creator brought into being by proclaiming, "Let there be light" (Gen 1:3). Signed: Anne D. Burt Director - Maine Interfaith Climate Change Initiative Maine Council of Churches On Thursday, June 21st, Anne D. Burt, representing the Maine Council of Churches, spoke at a press conference addressing clean-up relating to the Wyman Power Plant. The following are her remarks: Maine Council of Churches Statement on Wyman Power Plant The Maine Council of Churches, representing more than 600 congregations throughout the state, requests the Board of Environmental Protection's support for the proposed clean-up plan at the Wyman Power Station which will result in a significant reduction in air pollution and ozone in the state. For the present and future health of Maine's people and our environment, we endorse the rule that would require Florida Power & Light Energy to install on-site emission controls rather than to purchase emission credits from power plants upwind. For the past year, the Council has worked with congregations around the state to address air quality and global warming through our Interfaith Climate Change Initiative. But today we call upon the business community and our national and state government agencies to work together with us. Given that the Wyman Power Plant is the single largest source of nitrous oxide emissions in the state, emissions that we know adversely affect the health of our most vulnerable citizens - infants, children with respiratory ailments, and the elderly - we ask the Bureau of Environmental Protection to rule in favor of on-site pollution controls. This will result in a significant contribution towards improving air quality and healing Creation. Individual consumers must take responsibility for reducing their contributions to air pollution and global warming. However, we cannot do it alone. From our efforts we know that individuals from all faith communities share with us the belief that reducing greenhouse gas emissions and other pollutants is a moral challenge we must meet right now. To put their faith into action many families and congregations are taking steps to reduce their own contributions to air pollution and global warming. Some congregations and individuals have instituted energy conservation measures, installing energy-saving devices such as compact fluorescent lights and energy-efficient appliances. Some have conducted energy audits of their buildings and have begun to remedy the findings. Some individuals have purchased hybrid-power cars or cars designed for better fuel efficiency. Today, the Maine Council is launching a 6-month education and action campaign, "Let There Be Light" project, that will augment our current efforts. We expect to recruit congregations and individuals of all ages from Kittery to Fort Kent to join us in specific actions to prevent the emission of more than one million pounds of carbon dioxide and other pollutants into Maine's atmosphere. We plan to celebrate our successful accomplishments in December during the season of light for the Jewish and Christian faiths. This is just one way in which we plan to make a difference. But today, we ask you to make a difference by supporting the proposed clean-up plan at the Wyman Power Station (including required on-site emission controls) which will result in a significant reduction in air pollution and ozone in the state. Thank you for the opportunity to express our concern.

size: 65.29 K Click on this Microsoft Word file (saved in rich text format), to access our global warming energy savings worksheets. They will help you to calculate your personal energy savings - a great way to assess how you can help reduce CO2 emissions and help to preserve our environment. MAINERS ARE CALCULATING THEIR ENERGY SAVINGS - YOU CAN TOO WITH THIS WORKSHEET ABOVE!

INTERACTIVE MAP DOCUMENTS GLOBAL HOTSPOTS Seven of the largest environmental groups in the United States have collaborated to produce an interactive map of the world illustrating the realities of global climate change. For full text and graphics, click on this GREAT link below... Go to Interactive Map of Global Hotspots

WHAT IS KNOWN ABOUT ACCELERATED CLIMATE CHANGE? The 2,500 scientists of the United Nations-sponsored International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) have concluded there is clear evidence that human activities are contributing to global warming. Contributors to Accelerated Climate Change Greenhouse gases - carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and chlorofluorocarbons - are building up in the environment, and the earth's climate is predicted to change as a result. Energy burned to power cars and trucks, heat homes and businesses, and run manufacturing plants is responsible for about 80% of global carbon dioxide emissions, about 25% of U.S. methane emissions, and about 20% of global nitrous oxide emissions. Since the early 1800's, these human activities have helped to increase concentrations of carbon dioxide by 30%, and methane, a greenhouse gas with 22 times the global warming potential of carbon dioxide, by 140%. In 1994, the United States emitted about one-fifth of the total global greenhouse gases. In Maine (1990) 19.2 million tons of carbon dioxide were released into the atmosphere from fossil fuel combustion. An additional 2.9 million tons were released from cement production, waste management, and agriculture. Transportation was the highest source of carbon dioxide emissions, contributing 47% of the annual total. Of the New England states, Maine has the highest per capita carbon dioxide emissions. Current and Future Climatic Changes Worldwide and in Maine During the past century global temperatures have increased by more than one degree Fahrenheit and the sea level has risen about seven inches. In Lewiston, Maine, records indicate that the temperature has risen 3.4 degrees Fahrenheit over the past century. Along Maine's coast over the past 50 years the sea level has risen gradually at a historic rate of 2 mm/year. The ten warmest years on record worldwide have been since 1983. Three of the last five years have been the warmest. Global temperature in 1998 was the hottest in the historical record and recent temperatures may have been the highest of the past millennium. Three different records of temperatures preserved in tree rings and elsewhere indicate that the extensive and abrupt, 20th-century warming is unique in the past 1000 years. IPCC scientists project that temperatures could rise from 1.5 degrees to 4.5 degrees Centigrade over the next 100 years if carbon dioxide emissions double. They have estimated that the sea level may rise between six to 43 inches by the year 2100. Projected consequences of global warming include: unusual weather patterns of heavy storms and heat waves resulting in flooding and droughts; seasonal variations, with spring already arriving earlier in many parts of the world and disrupting migration and reproduction patterns; threats to water supplies; as polar ice and glaciers melt, sea level rise and coastal flooding resulting in lost homes and habitat; spreading infectious diseases as warming temperatures enable mosquitoes to extend their ranges; and shifts in plant and animal ranges with some species' populations declining or becoming extinct. Worldwide, the elderly, the young, the sick, and the poor - the most vulnerable members of the human race - and other species will be most susceptible to the consequences of global warming. Specifically in Maine, extreme drought conditions and the warmest summer on record in 1999 and the ice storm of 1998 are symptoms of climate change. In the future, Maine's forest ecosytems, coastal areas, lakes and streams, agricultural output, and human health may be significantly impacted by global warming. References: Climate Change and Maine, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, September 1998; State of Maine Climate Change Action Plan, Maine State Planning Office and University of Maine, Spring 2000; Global Warming: Early Warning Signs, a map and references developed by Environmental Defense Fund, Natural Resources Council, Sierra Club, Union of Concerned Scientists, U.S. Public Interest Group, World Resources Institute, and World Wildlife Fund, 1999.

SIGNATORIES TO THE MAINE RELIGIOUS LEADERS STATEMENT ON GLOBAL WARMING Maine's religious leaders are calling their congregations and communities to take action on global warming. By working together, and with the Maine Council of Churches' Climate Change Initiative to educate faith communities across Maine about the devastating effects of global warming, communities can make changes that will have a positive impact on our environment. Below is the list of leaders who, as of 9/30/2000, have signed the statement "Accelerated Global Warming: A Challenge to All Creation." Names of signatories

READ THE RELIGIOUS LEADERS STATEMENT ON CLIMATE CHANGE BELOW: Accelerated Global Warming - A Challenge to All Creation Maine Religious Leaders' Statement We are people of faith living in the beautiful State of Maine and drawn together by the implications of accelerated climate change. We are nourished by the gifts of the sea and land. We enjoy the blessings of creation which we witness on the coast and islands, the lakes, forests, hills and fields, and in the changing seasons. Our lives are inextricably joined with these treasures. We are confronted by the news that accelerated climate change threatens our State of Maine and the whole world with destruction of habitat, species extinction, inundation of low-lying land by rising seas, and increasing weather extremes. We are concerned that the most vulnerable people - the poor, sick, elderly, children, and generations yet unborn - are disproportionately burdened by the impacts of accelerated global warming. Because all parts of creation are linked to and beloved of their Creator, the effects of accelerated climate change on people, plants, and animals cannot be minimized. As leaders of faith communities we are compelled to search for effective ways to respond to this challenge. We pledge to study our sacred texts, weigh scientific findings, and prayerfully examine our lifestyles in order to discover pathways to a loving and healing relationship with creation which reverses the ravages of accelerated climate change. We join together in establishing the Maine Interfaith Climate Change Initiative, and taking specific steps, individually and collectively, to reverse accelerated climate change. Each of us will have different ways to act on our resolve. We are eager to join in efforts to: -- Distribute educational materials, offer messages, and convene study groups to help our congregations understand and embrace this challenge. -- Take action to conserve energy and reduce use of fossil fuels. -- Meet with our U.S. senators to urge their ratification of the equitable measures envisioned by 160 nations in the Kyoto Protocol and their support of domestic initiatives developed to reduce global warming. -- Share these religious perspectives about climate change with representatives of key sectors in our state, seeking ways to work together. As people of faith, we are called to discover how to live in harmony with the earth. We have a responsibility to speak and act on issues related to reversing accelerated change in our climate. We call upon all people who cherish Maine to act on behalf of the earth and all creation, and we urge our communities of faith to commit themselves to the Maine Interfaith Climate Change Initiative.