Dear Senator Markey and Senator Warren,

      Across the world, sea levels are rapidly rising at alarming rates. This is a prominent effect of climate change and greenhouse gas emissions. Although these increasing sea levels affect us all, it has especially devastating effects on island communities in the Pacific and across the globe. Among the most threatened is Kiribati (pronounced kee-ruh-bas), a nation with a population of around 138,000. Kiribati is spread across 33 islands, although only 21 are inhabited, including the nation's capital Tarawa. Two uninhabited islands, Abanuea and Tebua Tarawa (which was used by fishermen), went underwater in the late 90s. The 33 other islands are expected to be uninhabitable within the next century, perhaps even in a few decades. This devastating event will displace its growing population. Which will result in complete upheaval of ancient traditions, and possibly the destruction of I-Kiribati culture as they know it. While relocation plans have been started, the people of Kiribati are still clinging to their homeland. USAID had previously put the Climate Ready for Big Ocean State Sustainability program into effect, but recent cuts by the current administration have cut 86% of all projects, worth almost 75 billion, including this vital program. This petition advocates for funding and land preservation projects on some of Kiribati’s most populous islands, and for major politicians across the country to acknowledge this humanitarian and climate disaster.

          Kiribati only contributes 0.6% of all worldwide CO2 emissions, whereas the USA produces 12 to 15% of global emissions. The average American puts heavy emphasis on integrity and responsibility, and the job of our representatives is to reflect that in the nation’s policies and bills. It is the responsibility of America to try and delay and/or prevent the sinking of a nation due, in large part, to our massive climate impact.

          Because of globalization, migration, and colonization millions of people have lost touch with their culture. Climate migration is yet another threat to the world's diversity .  A large portion of the world's population, would like to help people preserve their own history and culture. Ensuring people do not have to leave the islands their ancestors have inhabited for thousands of years is just one example of this.  Also, this issue is vital to making people understand the actual effects of climate change. Many people see rising sea levels as something harmless that can’t affect humanity, and this issue proves that it can. I believe that acknowledging how serious the situation has become, both domestically and globally, would lead to a major positive change. 

What should be done about it: 

              One of the most accessible (and least expensive) options for the American people is cutting down on overall carbon emissions. With support from the government, the citizens of the USA  could cut down on CO2, stopping the situation in Kiribati from getting worse. Experts estimate that if worldwide emissions are lowered, it could stop the seas rise at about 1 to 2 feet, instead of the currently projected 3 feet. In order to stop the effects of increasing sea levels right now, politicians, like Senator Markey and Senator Warren, need to fight more adamantly for the resumption of USAID, especially the environmental programs. In addition, the senators of Massachusetts should show open support for Res. 551,  a resolution recognizing that sea levels are rising at accelerated rates due to human-caused climate change, and the Federal Carbon Dioxide Removal Act. If both pass in congress, the result could be widespread environmental awareness and significantly lowering air pollution through greenhouse gases. 

         These actions would ensure that the US as a whole lives up to the values of responsibility, justice, and diversity that the American people believe in.

                 We, the undersigned, agree with this message: