Faith organizations petition Governor about climate crisis

Hoosier faith advocates and leaders petitioned Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb to address the climate crisis. The group gathered outside the Statehouse Friday to share stories and call for action on climate change in Indiana.

Diverse representatives from faith organizations asked legislators to declare climate change a significant threat and establish a task force to study the issue in the upcoming legislative session.

The petition, organized by nonprofit Hoosier Interfaith for Power and Light, and signed by more than 750 Hoosiers, states the need to commit to renewable answers. Board member Annette Johnson said lawmakers should take this issue seriously.

“To advocate for policies that combat climate change, protect biodiversity and establish environmental justice,” Johnson said.

The declaration says the faith communities are committed to reducing emission.

Senior Pastor at Bethel Cathedral AME Carlos Perkins said creating a sustainable Indiana is a top priority.

“Here in the Midwest,” Perkins said, “climate change has a particularly drastic threat on our everyday lives.”

Indiana’s climate is experiencing increased temperatures and flooding.

The call for action comes as the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference wraps up.

Contact WFYI city government and policy reporter Jill Sheridan at jsheridan@wfyi.org. Follow on Twitter: @JillASheridan.