House Should Support Climate Change Bill

The Nature Conservancy asks citizens to urge their representatives to vote yes on first key climate bill.

ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, FL — June 25, 2009 — Floridians should call or email their Congressional representatives today and urge them to vote in favor of the American Clean Energy and Security Act (ACESA) in order to protect America’s communities and natural resources against the threats of climate change, says Nature Conservancy Florida Director Jeff Danter.

“Not only will this bill significantly reduce carbon dioxide emissions that lead to climate change,” Danter said, “it will help restore and strengthen natural systems, a cost-effective approach that can stabilize communities and economies from the impacts of climate change.”

Passing a comprehensive climate bill through the House now also will send an important signal to international negotiators that the U.S. is serious and ready to lead. The bill has won support from of some of the country’s largest businesses, manufacturers as well as conservation organizations. The bill will help protect threatened forests around the world and allow U.S. businesses to save money as they transition to clean energy technologies.

Examples of how natural systems protect against the threats of climate change include:
•   Mangroves can protect communities against growing storm surges;
•   Forests reduce the risks of landslides while also providing clean water, forest products and carbon sequestration;
•   Wetlands serve as buffers against floods;
•   Coral reefs support fisheries and provide food security;
•   Natural areas can generate income from tourism and the recreation industries.

The Nature Conservancy is a leading conservation organization working around the world to protect ecologically important lands and waters for nature and people. With funding from the Florida Forever program and our generous donors the Conservancy has helped protect more than 1.2 million acres in Florida since 1961. Visit us on the Web at nature.org/florida.