The Climate Security Act of 2008, introduced by Senators Lieberman and Warner, stalled in the Senate last week, along with its funding for international climate change adaptation. Congress is likely to pickup the issue next year.The bill was taken off the congressional docket after a cloture vote failed, 48-36. The legislation would have created a carbon cap-and-trade system within the United States, with revenue from the auction of carbon credits going toward a number of climate-related initiatives, including critical climate change adaptation programs for the world's most vulnerable communities (learn more about adaptation here). Most sources, such as Congressional Quarterly, state that the bill will be readdressed next year.
The Climate Security Act's status is not unexpected and should not be viewed as a defeat. Work on the bill in this session has set the stage for next year and several important developments hold promise. The bill was co-sponsored by twelve senators representing both sides of the aisle, with much credit being owed to California's own Sen. Barbara Boxer. The bill put a human face on climate change, explicitly citing the disproportionate impact it has on the world's poor and providing funds to help those communities cope.
Thanks to everyone who contacted Congress about the bill. Be sure to follow developments because, while the Climate Security Act will remain high-and-dry this year, millions of struggling families won't. Adaptation funding is desperately needed so action must resume as soon as the next congress gets down to business. In the meantime, sign this petition asking the presidential candidates to help the poor adapt to climate change.
