A 1993 report from the Christian Action Commission to General Synod drew attention to the problem of global warming the gradual increase in the average temperature of the earth, due to increased production of carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and CFCs, the so-called greenhouse gases. In 1999 the commission presented an updated report on climate change detailing new scientific evidence of global warming. The protocol calls for industrialized countries to reduce their emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions by an average of about 5 percent below 1990 levels. The United States signed the protocol, but it awaits ratification by the Senate.
Climate change is also a matter of both economic and intergenerational justice.
The industrialized nations produce 75 to 80 percent of the annual greenhouse gas emissions. Future generations and those who live in the developing world would suffer the most from the effects of climate change. Accordingly, the 1999 General Synod Urged members of the RCA to write letters to their elected officials urging public policies that encourage energy efficiency and help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Urged RCA members, congregations, and institutions to take steps to reduce fossil fuel consumption through energy conservation measures and changes in lifestyle. Copies of the 1999 General Synod report are available from the Office of Social Witness and online .