The Obama administration has hailed faith leaders for their environmental projects and efforts that are now being seen as examples of exemplary climate change leadership.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) administrator Gina McCarthy acknowledged the efforts made by a number of faith leaders whose initiative range from maintaining synagogues with zero-waste systems to conducting global development work following natural disasters.
For their environmental initiatives, the leaders, who came from a range of faiths, were recognized as "Champions of Change" in Washington D.C. on Monday, July 20.
"We need to remind people of that and engage them. It's a responsibility that we all have to share, to protect our neighbors, to protect God's creation from the threats of climate change and environmental degradation that is going to follow," McCarthy said.
Patrick Carolan, from Stratford, Conn., was among the 12 Americans who were recognized for their efforts of protecting communities and the environment from the effects of the changing climate.
Other honorees included four officials of Interfaith Power & Light, which helps congregations in saving energy and becoming more environmentally friendly; African-American clergy and Catholic leaders including Sister Joan Brown, the executive director of New Mexico Interfaith Power and Light (NMIPL), which helps educate and inspire individuals and faith communities as well as engage people in energy efficiency, local food and renewable energy.
The Champions of Change program was initiated as an opportunity for the government to feature those who do extraordinary things that could empower and inspire other members of the community.
Those who were named Champions of Change have shown leadership across the country and around the world through their efforts to green communities and provide education on the implications of climate change.
National Action Network president Rev. Al Sharpton said that the need to work on climate change is not limited to political parties and religious affiliations. He said that faith leaders have the moral obligation to not defile the Earth given by God.
McCarthy acknowledged that many of the faith leaders know of their moral obligation to help in preserving a healthy planet.
"We are excited to recognize extraordinary people of faith, from across the country, who are acting on climate to protect our planet from harmful climate change impacts," McCarthy said. "Many of our faith leaders understand that it is our moral obligation to help preserve a healthy planet for generations to come, and are heeding President Obama's call for community-led climate efforts."
Photo: John LeGear | Flickr
