Current Climate Bills On October 18, 2007, Senators Joe Lieberman (D-CT) and John Warner (R-VA) introduced a comprehensive climate change bill that would institute a “cap and trade” program to reduce greenhouse gases causing global warming. A cap and trade program places a price on green house gas pollution and creates a market for trading permit rights on the emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases. The government will issue to companies a limited number of “permits” for each ton of CO2. Through an “auction,” companies will pay a fee for these “permits”, generating a pool of funding held by the government. Some permits will also be given away for free. Some of the substantial funds generated by this program would be used for public purposes including assistance for the people in poverty at home and abroad who are disproportionately impacted by climate change. During a November 27 meeting with Senator Warner, the National Council of Churches and other religious community leaders secured assurances and language that: guarantees the level of funding dedicated to low-income countries at 5% of the “auction” targets funding and resources from the international adaptation fund to least developed countries, which have contributed the least to climate change but will suffer its worst consequence links funding to help people in poverty and least developed countries cope with climate change events such as droughts, famines, water, food scarcity as well as refugee crises. Click here for a copy of Faith Principles on Global Warming. Learn More From the NCC: Environmental Justice - Home Climate Change and Energy Environmental Health