New York, NY, March 20, 2023 – In response to the climate report issued today by UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the American Jewish Congress echoes this esteemed commission’s call for advocacy and action. Without question, Climate Change is not only real but is causing strife that, if not corrected, will garner devastating consequences. From soaring heat levels to rising seas – the time to “wait and see” is no more.
The panel released a synthesis report surrounding its sixth assessment. In this finding, stark realities that show our world on the brink are being highlighted. The IPCC report showcased daunting figures that “concentrations of carbon pollution in the atmosphere are at their highest level for more than two million years and the rate of temperature rise over the last half a century is the highest in 2,000 years.” This fact alone, should be enough for us as a society to understand that the time for action is now. UN Secretary-General António Guterres said in response that “The climate time-bomb is ticking.”
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change is a comprehensive melting pot; bringing top minds on Climate research from across the world to understand, combat dangers, and lay the groundwork for improving how we tackle the Climate Crisis. In addition to the synthesis report, the panel also distributed for policymakers a much more consumable body of text, designed to provide an assessment of the crisis to the leaders of its 195 member states. As Jews, we often echo the sentiments of Tikkun Olam, meaning to Repair the World. With consistent conflict, coupled with existing dangers to Jewish and other minority communities, we must take control of what we can actively affect, and that starts with the ways in which we treat our planet.
For well over a century, the American Jewish Congress has served at the forefront of change, advocating for Jewish and other national interests that surely bring about a more inclusive, brighter, and more fulfilling tomorrow. In front of the existential threat posed by Climate Change, we are committed to serving as a fervent Jewish voice in this necessary conversation. From designing impactful programming to promoting the transition towards cleaner, more sustainable energy solutions, we are hard at work.
We echo the necessary calls of the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, and we remain committed to assisting the UN, as well as domestic leaders in local, state, and national offices, on this matter of such grave importance.
