Hot enough for ya?

And what happens at the ends of the earth affect us here the middle. Sea levels rise as ice fields melt—as much as 7-23 inches in this century, depending on our rate of fossil fuel combustion. Around the world 100 million people live within 36 inches of sea level.

Ironically, parts of the world that contribute few greenhouse gases are set to experience the worst impacts of global warming. By 2100, Africa is set to lose 276 million tons of grain per year due to weather shifts—and 182 million Africans are predicted to die from the many impacts of a warmer world (food shortages, spreading insect-born disease, water supplies and water-borne diseases). In South Asia (and the Los Angeles basin), where millions of people depend on mountaintop snow pack for dry-season drinking water, there will be trouble as these ice fields disappear. The World Health Organization says global warming is already responsible for 160,000 deaths a year.

The Heat is On—Us!

We all know the causes—but there are some surprises. Deforestation and cattle production are leading causes of greenhouse gas emissions globally, at about 20 and 18 percent of the total. Cows create a lot of methane, their manure gives off nitrogen oxide, and raising feed for them requires loads of fossil fuels. Transportation is also near the top, with the US clearly in the lead there, driving 3 trillion miles a year (and every mile creating a pound of CO2). Then there's home heating/cooling and general household operations (good for 26,000 pounds of greenhouse gases per household in the US ), and consumption in general. For instance, a container ship bringing goods to the US emits as much pollution in a mile as a car driving around the world—and 60,000 of them arrive here every year.                  

Global warming is the challenge of the century. It is fueled by consumerism, capitalism, corporate greed, public apathy and fear of change—and sacrifice. Yet if we care about the future, or about our struggling global neighbors, or about millions of species that add beauty, diversity and resilience to our world, then we must find a way to sound the warming and take the lead in our schools, communities, churches and nation.

Want to do something about it?

• Find out more about our impacts and possible positive actions
• Get your school or campus involved
• Read Earth Under Fire, Thin Ice or other books clearly stating the challenges of climate change and what we can do to stem this rising tide

-NCP director David Radcliff doesn't own a car, is nearly vegetarian, and does penance for flying so much….

New Community Project - there's a place for you

We believe the challenges facing this earth and its people can best be met and addressed by people of courage, conscience and commitment  joining together within and between cultures to build a new community  of respect for all life. In the process, they support and challenge one another to live lives that appear strange only because they are a reflection of God's normalcy --living the way God intends in order to leave a planet worth passing on to our children and bring  justice for our marginalized neighbors. Here's a summary of our  main program areas -- lots to choose from! 

And we're a project -a work-in-process-trying to be open to new insight and opportunities as these arise, and working to provide new insight and opportunities to those in our circle. Join us.

NCP is a nonprofit organization headquartered in Elgin, IL and supported primarily by donations from individuals and groups.