The Nature Conservancy Commends Chairman Boxer for the Release of New Climate Change Principles

ARLINGTON, VA — February 3, 2009 — The following is a statement issued today by Robert Bendick, Director of U.S. Government Relations at The Nature Conservancy, in response to the release of the Boxer climate change principles:

The Nature Conservancy commends Chairman Boxer for her commitment to furthering the development of climate change legislation through the release today of new legislative principles. We look forward to working closely with Chairman Boxer, the Committee on Environment & Public Works, Congress and the Obama Administration to evolve a bill that will recognize and respond to the serious risks to our economy, security and environment posed by a rapidly warming climate.

The Nature Conservancy believes it is imperative for Congress to act urgently to implement a strong economy-wide cap on greenhouse gas emissions. To this end, we applaud the principles’ calling for a market-based system with short- and long-term targets guided by science.

Adaptation programs for nature and people are also essential to safeguard against irreversible harm to plants, wildlife and human communities that are sustained by a productive natural planet both within the United States and around the world. We are pleased to see that the principles recognize the importance of such programs and it will be critical to assure that adaptation activities receive adequate and sustained funding both at home and abroad.

We also agree with the principles’ call for an efficient market-based system and strongly encourage the Chairman to support a program that allows for credits from forest carbon activities that reduce or absorb carbon emissions. Forest carbon activities are not only one of the most cost-effective strategies to fight climate change, they can also improve local livelihoods, protect irreplaceable biodiversity, and ensure the health of global food and water resources. Including forests in climate solutions is a critical part of reducing emissions in the United States and globally.

The principles also recognize the importance of encouraging action from other nations. It is essential that the U.S. work with other nations to forge an international climate agreement that catalyzes action by all major emitters and provides support to the most vulnerable countries.

The cost of inaction on climate change will far exceed the cost of a well-structured comprehensive cap and trade program. There is a tremendous economic opportunity in addressing climate change. It can help to spur significant innovation and investment in low-carbon technologies, and by doing so can help to create jobs and stimulate economic growth.

The Nature Conservancy is a leading conservation organization working around the world to protect ecologically important lands and waters for nature and people. The Conservancy and its more than 1 million members have protected nearly 120 million acres worldwide. Visit The Nature Conservancy on the Web at www.nature.org.