Landmark US Legislation Could Help Poor People Cope with Climate Change

Posted: 5 June 2008

A groundbreaking bill now being debated in the Senate could generate much-needed funds for vulnerable communities.

Right now, the Senate is debating a bill that could make a big difference for poor people around the world who are coping with the effects of climate change.

The Climate Security Act of 2008, also known as the “Lieberman-Warner Bill” after its sponsors US Senators Joe Lieberman (D-CT) and John Warner (R-VA), would require companies to buy permits in order to continue emitting the greenhouse gases that cause global warming. The revenue from the sale of those permits could be used to assist poor people who are already facing the consequences of climate change.

Why it matters

This landmark bill takes some steps toward reducing the greenhouse gas emissions that cause climate change. It also marks the first significant US endeavor to assist poor people around the world in coping with the severe impacts of global warming, such as floods, drought, storms, and increased disease.

Though the bill could break new ground, it needs a stronger emissions reduction strategy to ensure that greenhouse gas reductions are in line with what the scientific consensus says is needed to avoid catastrophic consequences. It could also do more to guarantee that low-income energy consumers and vulnerable communities in the US are adequately protected.

What’s happening now

The Climate Security Act is currently being debated on the Senate floor. Oxfam is calling on the Senate to support an amendment offered by Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ) that would shift revenue generated by the bill to help the world’s most impoverished communities deal with the devastating consequences of climate change. Those resources would come from auctioning greenhouse gas permits that would otherwise be given away free to major oil companies.

For more on the bill, read Oxfam’s policy analysis [PDF].

What you can do

The Climate Security Act of 2008 represents a key opportunity to shape comprehensive climate legislation that could help millions of poor people around the world. But we need your voice to make sure that legislators do the right thing.

Take action now!

Tell the Senate: Help poor people deal with climate change.
Ensure climate legislation helps the world's poor: call your senator and ask him or her to support the Menendez Amendment.