June 20, 2001

The following is a true copy of a Resolution adopted by the Executive Council at its meeting on June 8 - 11, 2001, in Salt Lake City, Utah, at which a quorum was present and voting.

Resolved, That the Salt Lake City meeting of the Executive Council of the Episcopal Church urges the President of the United States to address the issue of global warming and take the necessary steps to reduce green house gas emissions in the United States.

Resolved, that the Episcopal Church urges the President of the United States and Congress to provide financial support and leadership for developing nations to control their emissions of greenhouse gases in order to reduce their vulnerability to climate change and severe weather disasters.

Resolved, that the Episcopal Church urges the President of the United States and congress to provide funds and leadership in an effort to encourage renewable energy, energy efficiency and conservation.

 Explanation: This resolution is intended to support Presiding Bishop Frank Griswold’s letter to the President dated April 20, 2001 wherein he states. "I write to you with great concern regarding several recent environmental policies your administration has announced. Specifically, the Episcopal Church strongly supports worldwide efforts to reduce the emissions of carbon dioxide, and is distressed that you have abandoned the 1997 Kyoto treaty on global warming. While I recognize political and economic complexities involved in the treaty, I nonetheless strongly urge you to reconsider your administration’s position on this important and widely supported international agreement."

Scientist around the world have agreed that human behavior on the planet is indeed causing harm to God’s Creation. The excessive use of fossil fuel burning energy plants in the United States is creating much of the problem. We are 5% of the population creating 25% of the greenhouse gases. Other parts of the world are already seeing devastating changes in the climate. One example of this is the rapid melting of the polar ice caps.

We are called to be good neighbors and act with love and care for all of what God called "Sacred". The natural greenhouse effect set up by God has been disrupted and the imbalance is causing temperatures to rise. Global warming means not only higher average temperatures, but also changes in weather patterns, precipitation, and ranges of

plants insects and animals. Such changes would threaten natural resources, human health, already endangered species, and fragile ecosystems. Although no person would be immune from the consequences of climate change caused by global warming, the world’s poor would be especially vulnerable.

Also supported by The Diocese of California, Commission for the Environment Episcopal Power and Light The Rev. Robert A. Towner (Iowa) Ms. Ellen W. Bruekner (Iowa) Ms. Margaret N. Tinsman (Iowa)

The Rev. Rosemari G. Sullivan

Secretary of the Executive Council and the Domestic

and Foreign Missionary Society of the Protestant

Episcopal Church in the United States of America