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Your Presenter Lutheran Office for Public Policy in Wisconsin (LOPPW) and South-Central Synod of Wisconsin Thank you to Dr. Sumudu Atapattu of University of Wisconsin Law School for the use of several of her slides from her presentation: Climate Change and Human Rights – The Cost of Climate Change

THE EARTH IS

LOPPW Is… Part of the ELCA Advocacy Network, & State Public Policy Office. Check us out at And Like us on Facebook: Look up LOPPW

How We Discern Scriptural ~ Moses, the Prophets, & Gospel Lutheran Teaching ~ Receive Daily Bread Social Statements ~ Christians in Society ELCA World Hunger ~ Policies that address the root causes of hunger and dignify life. Relevant to Wisconsin ~ realities of hunger in our state. Dialogue ~ bishops and ELCA members, ecumenical and interfaith partners Advisory Council and Director work on policies NOTE: We do not support political parties but work with policy makers on issues.

NEW SCSW/LOPPW CARE FOR GOD’S CREATION TEAM

ELCA World Hunger The prophet Isaiah’s words teach us that to help those who are hungry, to work for justice for all people, is to experience the transformative and connecting power of God. As Lutheran Christians, freed by the grace of God and the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ to serve our neighbors, this directive leads us to give of ourselves and to work and advocate for justice. ELCA World Hunger

EducateDevelopment Advocacy – work with governments

2016 Year of ELCA World Hunger

Why Advocacy The change in one state policy can impact more people than all church programs in the state. Public policies are not the backstage. Another way to answer the question, How do I love my neighbor?

Contribution of greenhouse gases by source (EPA) Dr. Atapattu

Global GHG emissions by gas (EPA) Dr. Atapattu

Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Scientific body under the UN and established in Synthesizes scientific research on CC Received Nobel Peace Prize in 2007 with VP Al Gore – Professor Jonathan Patz of UW is a member of the IPCC – “for their efforts to build up and disseminate greater knowledge about man-made climate change, and to lay the foundations for the measures that are needed to counteract such change” Translating science into policy and law - using scientific uncertainty as an excuse IPCC 5th Assessment Report to Policymakers(2014): “Warming of the climate system is unequivocal, and since the 1950s, many of the observed changes are unprecedented over decades to millennia. The atmosphere and ocean have warmed, the amounts of snow and ice have diminished, and sea level has risen.” Dr. Atapattu Dr. Atapattu

IICC contd “Anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions have increased since the pre-industrial era, driven largely by economic and population growth, and are now higher than ever. This has led to atmospheric concentrations of carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide that are unprecedented in at least the last 800,000 years. Their effects, together with those of other anthropogenic drivers, have been detected throughout the climate system and are extremely likely to have been the dominant cause of the observed warming since the mid-20th century.” Dr. Atapattu No longer any doubt about the contribution of human beings to creating the problem Dr. Atapattu

Consequences of climate change Water scarcity Food scarcity Flooding and drought Increased severe weather events (frequency and intensity) Sea level rise associated with warming seas, melting glaciers Inundation of low lying areas and complete submergence of small island states Health impacts- increased incidence of vector borne diseases, heatwaves, water-borne diseases Loss of ecosystem services Increased wild fires Dr. Atapattu

Some Impacts of Climate Change Dr. Atapattu

Sea level rise Dr. Atapattu

Change in Water Availability Dr. Atapattu

Droughts and Desertification Dr. Atapattu

Increased Fires in California Dr. Atapattu

Typhoon Haiyan, Phillipines 2013 Dr. Atapattu

Hurricane Sandy, New York 2012 Dr. Atapattu

Adaptation measures Even if states were to go for zero emissions tomorrow (very unlikely), climate change will continue for decades because of the GHGs already in the atmosphere. Thus, adapting to a warmer climate is a necessity for the current generation and the next (at least) Those who contributed least to the problem will be affected disproportionately – raising justice issues Adaptation measure that we put in place should be evaluated for their human rights impact At a minimum, adaptation plans must be made with the participation of those who are likely to be affected, provide them with the necessary information and incorporating their local knowledge in these plans Dr. Atapattu

Climate Change & Wisconsin Warming trend similar to global trends - likely to continue and will increase considerably by the middle of the Century More precipitation Warmer winters - winter temperatures will continue to increase more than those of other seasons Impact on tourism – less snow Lakes – more algae due to warmer temperatures Agriculture – more pests due to warmer winters Dr. Atapattu

Climate change adaptation is all about water – either too much... Dr. Atapattu

Or too little… Dr. Atapattu

Human Rights of Vulnerable Groups Just as some states will be more affected by climate change than others (small island states, low-lying states, Polar Regions and Africa), several groups may be more affected than others due to historic marginalization, their vulnerability and subordination or simply because international law lacks a legal framework to govern them The book discusses three such groups: women, indigenous peoples and “climate refugees” Human rights law provides a good framework to protect these groups Dr. Atapattu

Women In many societies women are responsible for fetching water, gathering firewood. Climate change will exacerbate water scarcity and women and girl children will have to walk longer to fetch water Dr. Atapattu

Indigenous Groups Dr. Atapattu

Climate Refugees IPCC 1st report recognized that the greatest single impact of climate change will be on human migration People will move temporarily (due to severe weather events) or permanently (severe drought, lack of resources or in the case of small island states) – is a form of adaptation Projected numbers range between 20 million million by 2050 (International Organization for Migration) – numbers have been criticized. Hard to link migration directly to climate change Displacement for most part will be internal and temporary Cross-border migration cannot be ruled out and could exacerbate existing tensions – this is where international law must step in No legal framework to govern them and various terms exist Dr. Atapattu Dr. Atapattu

Native Village Kavalina, Alaska Dr. Atapattu

America’s First Climate Refugees Will these Alaska villagers be America's first climate change refugees? Scientists estimate that due to climate change, the village of Kivalina, in northwestern Alaska, will be underwater by the year Dr. Atapattu Army Corp of Engineers determined in 2006 that the Village of Kivalina should be relocated because they can no longer live there. Cost of relocation is around $ million. It is not clear who should pay for the relocation. No location has so far been found and people live in dire conditions Dr. Atapattu

Climate Change Related Diseases Dr. Atapattu

Access to Resources and Conflict Security experts are increasingly worried about the security implications of climate change Some scholars believe - CC will exacerbate resource scarcity, create mass population displacement and ultimately fuel violent conflict (others say this will increase cooperation) – CC is a threat multiplier Poverty and other vulnerabilities will compound these Resource scarcity Conflict Migration Dr. Atapattu

Small Island States and their People Small island states year-video/ year-video/ They are at the risk of slowly sinking and eventually disappearing – about 40 states are at the risk of completely disappearing What will happen to the people? Where will they go? Can we move states? Their citizenship? Who will house them? What is the legal situation when states completely disappear? Dr. Atapattu

Small Island States Dr. Atapattu

COP 21 Results Results

ELCA’s Response

Opportunity Climate change provides a great opportunity for the international community to move to a low carbon economy Great opportunity for industry to develop technology Role of education Role of the media – using social media Citizens peaceful protests Holding governments and industries accountable Starting small – tackling the issue from every level Dr. Atapattu Should not be overwhelmed. Some have said, rather than conflict, this will give rise to tremendous opportunity for cooperation Dr. Atapattu

What is Happening in Wisconsin?

Conclusion Climate change is a complex problem and can often seem overwhelming Virtually everything we do contributes to it Every country in the world, every sector of the economy is contributing Fast approaching tipping points – no return possible Recent World Bank report – approaching an increase of 40 Celsius in temperature Urgent call for action – the longer we wait, the harder the choices will become But we have to start somewhere – we created this problem so we should try to solve it CC affects almost all protected rights but a human rights framework has limitations – square pegs in round holes Be hopeful– Hopelessness is the enemy of justice (Bryan Stevenson) Hopeful that our world leaders will do the right thing and we will too  Dr. Atapattu

Next Steps Sign up for Green Team Sign up for Green Team Action Alerts Action Alerts Don’t forget to like us on Facebook under LOPPW Don’t forget to like us on Facebook under LOPPW Donate to ELCA World Hunger Donate to ELCA World Hunger Contact us at

We are not alone When Jesus prepared to leave this world in his human form he said to his disciples in St. John 14:16: “God will give you another Advocate, to be with you forever.”

EXTRA SLIDES IF NEEDED

LOPPW’s Realm - Advocacy Advocacy is getting to the core of an issue speaking with and on behalf of the needs of another and seeking to influence public policy toward justice and the common good. As people of faith in the ELCA we advocate for just, sound and compassionate public policies consistent with scripture and Evangelical Lutheran Church in America social policy.

Advocacy includes Becoming aware of people’s struggles and roots of problems; educating others – holding forums Becoming aware of people’s struggles and roots of problems; educating others – holding forums Strategizing about solutions Strategizing about solutions Writing letters to the editor; writing letters to and calling legislators and visiting legislators and their staff Writing letters to the editor; writing letters to and calling legislators and visiting legislators and their staff Connecting with other groups such as LOPPW Connecting with other groups such as LOPPW

Realities in the U.S. & Wisconsin U.S. is a Leader in Child Poverty in the Developed World: U.S. is a Leader in Child Poverty in the Developed World: America’s wealth grew by 60% in the past six years, by $30 trillion. In approximately the same time, the number of homeless children has grown by 60%. America’s wealth grew by 60% in the past six years, by $30 trillion. In approximately the same time, the number of homeless children has grown by 60%.Wisconsin FoodShare Enrollment: 722,000 people; 322,000 households; FoodShare Enrollment: 722,000 people; 322,000 households; Wisconsin Schools serve 317,000 kids free and reduced price meals; 13-15,000 youth in Wisconsin homeless. Wisconsin Schools serve 317,000 kids free and reduced price meals; 13-15,000 youth in Wisconsin homeless. 12.5% of people in Wisconsin live below poverty line 12.5% of people in Wisconsin live below poverty line

How Does Hunger Impact Children? Health Problems Health Problems Acting up in School Acting up in School Poor performance Poor performance

Briefly about a Lengthy Subject In the U.S. hunger is not caused by scarcity of food but rather the continued prevalence of poverty. Both issues must be addressed in our continued efforts to help those Jesus called “the least of these (Mt. 25:45) What causes poverty? Leads to questions about power, persistent inequality, corporate and governmental accountability and agricultural policies.

Budgets as Moral Documents! “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be.” Mt. 6:21 “The budget is a profoundly moral document,” former Clinton advisor Paul Begala “What would Jesus cut?” Jim Wallis “I am excited to stand with Better Choices as we advocate for ways to continue Wisconsin’s strong history of caring for the vulnerable, offering excellent education for our young and supporting a higher education system second to none. We can and must make choices that reverse the trends of the past four years of continuously advocating primarily for the strong and the affluent.” Bishop Rick Hoyme

“We pray that of all faiths, all races, all nations, may have their great human needs satisfied; that those now denied opportunity shall come to enjoy it to the full; that all who yearn for freedom may experience its spiritual blessings; that those who have freedom will understand, also, its heavy responsibilities; that all who are insensitive to the needs of others will learn charity; that the scourges of poverty, disease and ignorance will be made to disappear from the earth, and that, in the goodness of time, all peoples will come to live together in a peace guaranteed by the binding force of mutual respect and love.” President Dwight D. Eisenhower

Our Values What do you prioritize when you Organize your personal budget? Organize your personal budget? Approve of church budgets? Approve of church budgets? Evaluate your work budget? Evaluate your work budget? Respond to cuts in your schools? Respond to cuts in your schools? Respond to proposed state and federal budgets? Respond to proposed state and federal budgets?

Better Choices Budget for WI Cuts proposed in the State Budget Better Choices Budget (handout) What can we do?

Money, Politics, and Poverty U.S. ELECTION CAMPAIGN FINANCE REFORM Adopted at 1995 ELCA Assembly RESOLVED, that the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America call upon its members and the Lutheran Office for Governmental Affairs to advocate for the enactment of campaign finance reform legislation at the local, state, and national levels, so that an equal opportunity may be provided for all candidates for elected office, regardless of their personal wealth or the wealth of their supporters.

U. S. Presidents since 1953 Tax Rate of top 1% Dwight Eisenhower ( )91% John Kennedy ( )91% Lyndon Johnson ( )70% Richard Nixon ( )77% Gerald Ford ( )70% James Carter ( )70% Ronald Reagan ( ) 28% George H Bush ( ) 31% William Clinton ( ) 39% George W. Bush ( )35% Barak Obama ( % Does not include reduction on taxes due to lower tax rate on capital gains.

Loophole Most income for the 1% of wealthiest people goes to them via capital gains, which is taxed at 15%. Warren Buffet (net worth is $86 billion) paid a total of 17.7% on his taxes. He said his receptionist paid 32.9% Mitt Romney – 13% 8-figure entrepreneur interviewed in Inequality for All (Robert Reich) – 11%

An Action to Take Now The ELCA has a campaign to support the the Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization. You can just leave cards at the LOPPW table or mail them into the ELCA office. Please let LOPPW know if you’d like more cards.

ELCA Washington D.C. Office We work through political channels on behalf of the following biblical values: peacemaking, hospitality to strangers, care for creation, and concern for people living in poverty and struggling with hunger and disease. For more information on ELCA Advocacy visit at Facebook: ELCA Advocacy Twitter: ELCA advocacywww.ELCA.org/advocacy

State Public Policy Offices Arizona – Lutheran Advocacy Ministry in ArizonaLutheran Advocacy Ministry in Arizona California – California Lutheran Advocacy MinistryCalifornia Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Colorado – Colorado Lutheran AdvocacyColorado Lutheran Advocacy Illinois – Lutheran Advocacy of IllinoisLutheran Advocacy of Illinois Iowa – Social Justice Advocacy Lutheran Services in IowaSocial Justice Advocacy Lutheran Services in Iowa Minnesota – Lutheran Coalition for Public Policy in MinnesotaLutheran Coalition for Public Policy in Minnesota Nevada – Lutheran Episcopal Advocacy in Nevada (LEAN)Lutheran Episcopal Advocacy in Nevada (LEAN) New Jersey – Lutheran Office of Governmental Ministry in NJLutheran Office of Governmental Ministry in NJ New Mexico – Lutheran Advocacy Ministry – New MexicoLutheran Advocacy Ministry – New Mexico Pennsylvania – Advocacy Ministry in Pennsylvania (LAMPA)Advocacy Ministry in Pennsylvania (LAMPA) Virginia – Virginia Interfaith Center for Public PolicyVirginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy Washington – Faith Action NetworkFaith Action Network Wisconsin – Lutheran Office for Public Policy in Wisconsin (LOPPW)Lutheran Office for Public Policy in Wisconsin (LOPPW)

LOPPW Works in Partnership with ~Northwest Synod of Wisconsin ~Greater Milwaukee Synod ~Greater Milwaukee Synod ~ South Central Synod of Wisconsin ~ South Central Synod of Wisconsin ~East Central Synod of Wisconsin ~Northern Great Lakes Synod ~La Crosse Area Synod

Director Cindy Crane at Director Cindy Crane at Don’t forget to like us on Facebook

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Food Security exists when all people, at all times, have physical, social and economic access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food that meets their dietary needs and food preferences for an active and healthy life Food and Agriculture Organization (United Nations)

Having food security for a household means access by all members at all times to enough food for an active, healthy life; includes at a minimum:  The ready availability of nutritionally adequate and safe foods.  Assured ability to acquire acceptable foods in socially acceptable ways (that is, without resorting to emergency food supplies, scavenging, stealing, or other coping strategies United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)

Levels of Food Security High food security — no problems, or anxiety about consistently accessing adequate food High food security — no problems, or anxiety about consistently accessing adequate food Marginal food security — problems at times, or anxiety about, accessing adequate food, but the quality, variety, and quantity of food intake is not substantially reduced Marginal food security — problems at times, or anxiety about, accessing adequate food, but the quality, variety, and quantity of food intake is not substantially reduced Low food security — quality, variety, and desirability of diet is reduced, but the quantity of food intake and normal eating patterns are not substantially disrupted Low food security — quality, variety, and desirability of diet is reduced, but the quantity of food intake and normal eating patterns are not substantially disrupted Very low food security — At times during the year, eating patterns of one or more household members is disrupted and food intake reduced because the household money and other resources for food Very low food security — At times during the year, eating patterns of one or more household members is disrupted and food intake reduced because the household money and other resources for food

Kyrie and Gloria Think of a time when someone advocated for you in a positive way. How did it make you feel? Think of a time when you wished you had an advocate but no one did. How did that make you feel? Think of the first time you were an advocate for someone or some people, or other creatures or a cause. How did your actions affect you? Did it impact your faith journey?

Activism/Advocacy An activist is a person who makes an intentional action to bring about social or political change. Example: Rosa Parks was a civil rights activist who challenged racial segregation in 1955 by refusing to give up her seat on a bus for a white man. An advocate is one who speaks on behalf of another person or group. Example: Angelina Jolie is a United Nations Goodwill Ambassador (UNHCR) who uses her talent and fame to advocate for refugees.

Advocacy Happens…. L EARN: What is happening in our community, nationally and globally. P RAY & D ISCERN: How are we being called to witness the love of Jesus and our love for one another. A CT: We are freed by grace. We respond in our call to then serve.

Quiz Two-part quiz: In which decade was hunger almost eliminated in the U.S.? And which president launched and bolstered programs to make it so?

Richard Nixon in the 1970s Expanded food stamp, elderly feeding, and school breakfast programs.

When do we say a youth is homeless? The McKinney-Vento Act defines homeless children and youth as individuals who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate night-time residence. The term includes children and youth who are: sharing the housing of other persons due to loss of housing, economic hardship, or similar reasons; living in motels, hotels, trailer parks, or campgrounds; living in emergency or transitional shelters abandoned in hospitals; awaiting foster-care placement; living in a primary night-time residence not used as a regular sleeping accommodation; living in cars, parks, public spaces, abandoned buildings, substandard housing, bus or train stations, or similar settings; migratory children living in any of the circumstances described above.

How many children and youth are homeless in Wisconsin? During the school year, 5,358 students were identified as homeless. At the end of the school year, 13,364 students were identified as being homeless in Wisconsin public schools. Homeless identification has nearly tripled in Wisconsin over the eight years that identification has been required by the USDE.

Minimum Wage CEO Craig Culver told Wisconsin Public Radio he supported a “two-tiered approach” to raising the minimum wage by establishing a minimum wage for teenage workers and a higher base wage for adults. “I don’t think it’s realistic to raise the youth wage as well from $7.25 to $ Culver proposes raising the minimum wage for workers between 14 and 17 years old to $8 per hour, while bringing workers 18 and over to $10.10.

Circle of Social Ministry Donate AdvocateEducate Serve Directly

Talking about Advocacy in your Congregation Talk to leaders in your congregation starting with your pastor about an issue you want to pursue on level of advocacy. Is it new or complementing work being done? In a group discussion bring it down to a personal level: How have you grown in your faith through your involvement? What have you gotten out of doing advocacy? Are you able to share a particularly joyful moment of accomplishment or a time advocacy was clearly connected to discipleship? Have you ever wanted to give up? Why – what was it like? How did you get through it? Manual coming in the late summer.