Catholic Coalition on Climate Change, AK, FL, OH
Early in its beginning, the Catholic Coalition on Climate Change focused on providing a forum to explore the links between faith and climate change by hosting hearings around the country. In the Spring of 2007, hearings were held in three key states: Anchorage, AK, Columbus, OH, and Orlando, FL.
These hearings provided an opportunity to learn about science, theology, and local actions to address the environmental and social impacts of climate change. A typical day-long hearing included the following elements:
- Prayer and Opening Remarks from local bishop or archbishop
- Presentation on Catholic Teaching and Theology of Creation related to Climate Change
- Presentation on the Science of Climate Change
- Panels of local business, environmental, government or advocacy organizations offering a wide range of perspectives on climate change impacts for their business or service.
At the hearing in Anchorage, compelling testimonies were heard from Native Alaskans about some of the changes they’ve seen in recent years, which can be attributed to climate change: rising tide levels necessitating the relocation of whole villages, thawing permafrost, and changing migration patterns of local wildlife-impacting the food supply for those dependent on local fish and game. 
In Ohio, Dr. Leanne Jablonski, a Marianist Sister and director of the Marianist Environmental Education Center in Dayton, explained how climate change is manifesting in the local environment of Ohio and beyond:
- Since 1750, the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere has increased by 37 percent, corresponding to the industrial age.
- The United States has less than 4 percent of the world's population but contributes 25 percent of the worlds' greenhouse gas emissions.
- As the country's 11th largest state, Ohio has 4 percent of the U.S. population but produces 1 percent of the world's greenhouse gases annually.
- Ohio is sixth in the U.S. in energy consumption; third in coal consumption and fourth in electricity usage.
These hearings resulted in heightened awareness and generated action at the local level. The 120 delegates who attended the Catholic Conversation on Climate Change in Ohio, for example, discussed how to reduce their energy consumption and minimize their environmental "footprint" on the world. Their action ideas were to:
- Urge pastors to address environmental issues, especially climate change, from the pulpit as an essential teaching of the church.
- Develop bulletin announcements as an educational tool.
- Have an energy audit done on parish buildings and develop a plan to address ways to reduce energy consumption.
- Include "green" practices in new parish buildings.
- Encourage environmental education in parish schools.
- Start a recycling program to recycle as many items as possible.
For more information on how you can conduct a hearing contact any of the above locations or:
The Catholic Coalition on Climate Change
5727 Lockwood Road
Cheverly, MD 20785
(301) 322-1180