The world is facing increasing shocks from a changing climate. These impacts are particularly acute for countries in the Global South, where the climate crisis is most deeply felt.
One of the ways this is manifesting is in the severe climate emergency in the Horn of Africa. Countries including Ethiopia, Somalia, and Kenya are experiencing the worst drought in 40 years.
This week the United Nations called on its member nations to respond.
“People in the Horn of Africa are paying an unconscionable price for a climate crisis they did nothing to cause,” UN Secretary-General António Guterres said on Wednesday.
Climate change, conflict, and migration are three of the most urgent and critical challenges facing the world today. What is happening in this region underscores the risk of failing to respond holistically.
These interlocking crises—severe and lengthy drought, mass displacement, skyrocketing food costs, and ongoing regional conflict—threaten the lives of some 32 million people.
As one of the largest historic emitters of greenhouse gases, the United States has a moral responsibility to assist countries bearing the worst impacts of the climate crisis.
The UN appeal this week fell well short of what is needed. The United States can and must do more to help the poorest and most vulnerable people around the world withstand the impacts of the climate crisis. We don’t have to accept this terrible status quo.
Congress can start by increasing investments in global climate assistance in the FY2024 State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations bill. Such funding will help ensure that countries in the Global South can build sustainable communities offering justice and opportunity for everyone.
Elsewhere
Debt Ceiling Deadline Nears
The United States could default on its national debt in less than a week if Congress doesn’t act. The White House and lawmakers continue to negotiate a budget agreement.
Advocates are working overtime to ensure that the most harmful cuts to critical programs that promote peace, protect the environment, and uplift our most vulnerable neighbors do not make it into the final deal. Now is the time to make your voice heard!
One Year Since Uvalde Shooting
This week marked one year since the Robb Elementary School shooting, where 19 children and two adults were killed in Uvalde, TX. As we mourn and hold the victims and their families in the Light, we are reminded how urgently our communities need relief from gun violence.
In the face of political inaction by the 118th Congress, we are pushing lawmakers to invest in community-based programs that interrupt cycles of violence.
Justice for Shireen Act Reintroduced
On May 11, 2022, Palestinian-American journalist Shireen Abu Akleh was fatally shot by a soldier while covering an Israeli military raid at a refugee camp. The introduction of the Justice for Shireen Act (H.R.3477) one year later marks a significant step in work to prevent future human rights violations and attacks on press members.
Civilian Targeted by U.S. Air Strike in Syria
More than 387,000 civilians have been killed in the post-9/11 wars since 2001. New reporting out this week found that a recent U.S. airstrike that the U.S. Military claimed killed an al-Qaeda figure, instead targeted a retired bricklayer in northwest Syria.
The United States’ militarized counter-terrorism approaches too often result in civilian death—accidental or intentional. It is time for a new approach.
Five Ways Forward for Friends
Friends are changing the world every day through prophetic witness. Join FCNL’s Quaker outreach team on May 31 at 6:30 p.m. EDT to learn how to start or deepen your advocacy!
Summer Listening
Quaker podcasts are having a moment. Read this article from Friends Journal to get their top five recommendations!
The Friends Committee on National Legislation is a national, nonpartisan Quaker organization that lobbies Congress and the administration to advance peace, justice, and environmental stewardship. This Week in the World. The FCNL weekly newsletter of advocacy actions and updates and opportunities to take action on the issues you care about.