Climate change is a humanitarian crisis. Rising global temperatures are fueling more frequent and extreme weather events - including droughts, heat waves, flooding, and hurricanes. From Bangladesh to Barbuda, we see time and time again that it is the poorest who bear the brunt of the devastation. The time to act is now. 

In 2017, former President Trump announced his intent to withdraw the U.S. from the Paris Climate Agreement - – turning his back on the world and those most vulnerable to climate impacts. Additionally, President Trump moved to slash funding for international climate programs, and he continues to pursue an anti-climate, "America First" agenda. Under President Biden, the U.S. has formally rejoined the Paris Agreement, but the hard work is just beginning. The U.S. has to re-establish itself as a global leader on climate change and commit to urgent and ambitious climate action.

Massachusetts has an opportunity to lead on global climate action and support the world's most vulnerable communities.

Sponsored by Senator Mike Barrett and Representatives Antonio F.D. Cabral and Tram T. Nguyen, Senate Bill S.1796 and House Bill H.2833 would create a voluntary check-off option for Massachusetts residents to donate a portion of their state tax return to the United Nation's Least Developed Countries Fund (LDCF), a critical fund to help the most vulnerable nations adapt and protect themselves from the adverse impacts of climate change. 

That’s why we’re asking the chairs of the revenue committee to hold a hearing on the bill promptly and give it a favorable report out of committee. We believe the Massachusetts legislature should support this bill. Oxfam America, a leading anti-poverty and development organization, is organizing a petition to demonstrate support for S.1796 and H.2833

Join us in telling the Massachusetts legislature to vote YES on S.1796/H.2833

 

Sign this petition and ask the Massachusetts legislature to: 

1. Help the World's Most Vulnerable. All funds raised through the bill will go to a special fund focused on supporting those who are most vulnerable to climate change but who have the least resources to protect themselves. 

2. Support the Paris Agreement. This bill shows that Massachusetts is committed to the Paris Agreement and ambitious international climate action. Largely unprecedented, the integration of state and international affairs will serve as a powerful indication of public support for global climate action and will be the benchmark for action by other sub-national entities, domestically and abroad.

3. Encourage Massachusetts Residents to Make a Global Impact. Climate change is a global challenge that requires collective action. This innovative approach is voluntary, and it provides Massachusetts residents an easily accessible opportunity to take global action and make a meaningful difference in the lives of those most affected by climate change. 

In 2015, world leaders agreed to the historic Paris Climate Agreement, and pledged to reduce emissions and provide financing for vulnerable communities to adapt and protect themselves, like Anastacia Antonia, a 22-year-old farmer from Mozambique. Th…

In 2015, world leaders agreed to the historic Paris Climate Agreement, and pledged to reduce emissions and provide financing for vulnerable communities to adapt and protect themselves, like Anastacia Antonia, a 22-year-old farmer from Mozambique. The temperature is changing and there are more extreme changes in the rainy and dry seasons where she lives. Rainy seasons are getting longer and the dry seasons shorter. Photo: Mario Macilau/Oxfam Novib.