Conference highlights climate change

Rhode Island Light & Power recently sponsored “Interfaith Action on Climate,” for Rhode Island clergy and interested lay people at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Providence. The conference, attended by more than 125 people, featured Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse from Rhode Island and state Rep. Art Handy, as well as Brown University Professor of Environmental Studies and Sociology, Timmons Roberts. Rabbi Sarah Mack, of Temple Beth-El, Providence, and president of the Board of Rhode Island Rabbis, provided the devotion to begin the program.

A leading advocate for climate awareness on the Senate floor, Whitehouse spoke of the need to reduce carbon pollution and to protect our nation’s water and air. He said he also believes that Rhode Island is in a unique position to be a leader in the clean energy economy. After citing examples of how the water levels have risen in our state, the senator said that he voices the same message to his senate colleagues weekly. The threat of climate change is real, and we must address the issue now. It will not just go away.

Roberts addressed the issue of inequality and its effects on our ability to fight global climate change.

Handy, a champion of civil rights issues and the environment, delivered a strong message for our state to continue to make progress in relation to climate change. The chair of the Rhode Island House Committee on Environment and Natural Resources, Handy was the lead sponsor of the Resilient Rhode Island Act to coordinate a process to prepare for, and respond to, climate change.

Rhode Island Light & Power is an affiliate of National Light & Power, which includes more than 14,000 congregations throughout 40 states.

MARTY COOPER is the Community Relations Director for the Jewish Alliance.