Public Policy & NGOs
Here's a look at documents from public policy and non-governmental organizations
Featured Stories
Open House and Dedication Dates for Temple in Oregon
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah, Nov. 25 -- The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints issued the following news release:
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Open House and Dedication Dates for Temple in Oregon
Location and rendering provided for Yuma Arizona Temple
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The First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has announced the dates for the open house and dedication of the Willamette Valley Oregon Temple.
A media day will be held on Monday, April 20, 2026. Invited guests will tour the temple on Tuesday, April 21 and Wednesday, April 22. The public open house will be held Thursday, April 23, through
... Show Full Article
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah, Nov. 25 -- The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints issued the following news release:
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Open House and Dedication Dates for Temple in Oregon
Location and rendering provided for Yuma Arizona Temple
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The First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has announced the dates for the open house and dedication of the Willamette Valley Oregon Temple.
A media day will be held on Monday, April 20, 2026. Invited guests will tour the temple on Tuesday, April 21 and Wednesday, April 22. The public open house will be held Thursday, April 23, throughSaturday, May 9, excluding Sundays.
Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles will preside at the dedication, Sunday, June 7, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. (Rebroadcast: 2:00 p.m.) The dedicatory session will be broadcast to all units in the Willamette Valley Oregon Temple district.
Oregon, located in the Pacific Northwest of the United States, is home to over 150,000 Latter-day Saints in nearly 300 congregations. The Willamette Valley Temple will be the third house of the Lord in the state. Operating temples are in Medford and Portland, Oregon.
The Willamette Valley Oregon Temple was announced by President Russell M. Nelson in April 2021.
"Temples are a vital part of the Restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ in its fulness," he said then. "Ordinances of the temple fill our lives with power and strength available in no other way. We thank God for those blessings."
Yuma Arizona Temple
The Church has also announced the location of the Yuma Arizona Temple. A rendering of the temple's exterior has also been provided.
This temple will be built on a nearly 7-acre site located at the corner of East 36th Street and South 8 East Avenue, Yuma, Arizona. Plans call for a single-story temple of around 18,500 square feet and an accompanying ancillary building.
Nearly 450,000 Latter-day Saints live in Arizona in over 900 congregations.
Eight additional temples are in operation, announced or are under construction in Arizona in Flagstaff, Gilbert, Gila Valley, Mesa, Phoenix, Queen Creek, Snowflake, and Tucson.
President Nelson announced the Yuma Arizona Temple in April 2024.
"Understanding the spiritual privileges made possible in the temple is vital to each of us today," he said then.
Temples differ from the Church's meetinghouses (chapels). All are welcome to attend Sunday worship services and other weekday activities at local meetinghouses. The primary purpose of temples is for faithful members of the Church of Jesus Christ to participate in sacred ceremonies that unite families forever.
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Original text here: https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/open-house-and-dedication-dates-for-temple-in-oregon-site-and-rendering-for-yuma-arizona-temple
[Category: Religion]
Institute for Energy Economics & Financial Analysis: New Analysis Shows Energy Affordability and Net Zero Go Hand in Hand
LAKEWOOD, Ohio, Nov. 25 (TNSbrep) -- The Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis issued the following news release:
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New analysis shows energy affordability and net zero go hand in hand
There are major opportunities to cut energy bills while supporting Australia's clean energy transition
Key Takeaways:
All major pathways to improving energy affordability in electricity and gas either support Australia's net zero pathway or are neutral to it.
Significant new investment in electricity infrastructure is unavoidable, as ageing coal plants and networks retire - but renewables,
... Show Full Article
LAKEWOOD, Ohio, Nov. 25 (TNSbrep) -- The Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis issued the following news release:
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New analysis shows energy affordability and net zero go hand in hand
There are major opportunities to cut energy bills while supporting Australia's clean energy transition
Key Takeaways:
All major pathways to improving energy affordability in electricity and gas either support Australia's net zero pathway or are neutral to it.
Significant new investment in electricity infrastructure is unavoidable, as ageing coal plants and networks retire - but renewables,transmission upgrades and storage are the lowest-cost option for new generation.
Energy efficiency, electrification and distributed energy resources (DER) offer the largest savings for households, reducing net energy bills by up to 67%.
Increasing competition and fixing inefficient network regulation and Australia's broken gas market could deliver immediate and lasting cost relief - independent of climate policy debates.
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(IEEFA Australia): Dispelling the notion that reducing emissions comes at the expense of Australian households and businesses, a new report has shown that all the major opportunities to improve energy affordability in electricity and gas also either support - or are independent to - the nation's net zero ambitions.
Entitled Improving Energy Affordability Aligns with Net Zero, the briefing note from the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA) highlights the most effective measures to lower electricity and gas costs, both across the supply chain and by Australian energy users.
Amandine Denis-Ryan, CEO of IEEFA Australia and the report's lead author, said: "The narrative that Australia must choose between lowering bills and cutting emissions is simply false. Our analysis shows that the cheapest energy future is also a clean one. By focusing on renewables, efficiency, electrification and fairer energy markets, Australia can lower household energy bills while accelerating progress toward net zero."
"Renewables are not driving up electricity costs - ageing coal plants, high gas prices and inefficient markets are. There is a lot of room for improvement when it comes to energy affordability - but it is not about choosing a different electricity generation mix. It is about fixing inefficient energy markets and regulation, increasing competition, and acting on the demand side."
Replacing declining supply is essential - choosing the lowest-cost options matters
Australia's coal fleet is rapidly ageing, with most plants set to retire within the next decade. A large portion of network assets are similarly reaching end-of-life. IEEFA's report finds that replacing these assets is unavoidable - but the choice of replacement technology has a profound impact on affordability.
"The evidence is clear: renewables backed by storage and transmission are the lowest-cost form of new electricity generation. Their cost is already on par with new coal and will be materially cheaper by 2030. Gas, meanwhile, has become increasingly uncompetitive as prices have surged," Ms Denis-Ryan said.
The report highlights that cost overruns across large projects are common globally, regardless of technology. However, reducing delays in the deployment of new renewable generation, transmission and storage assets is critical to improving energy affordability and avoid overreliance on expensive gas and risky coal plant extensions.
When it comes to gas supply, the low-cost fields that have historically supplied Australia are running out of gas. Moreover, large new gas fields come with high production and transport costs. According to IEEFA, the cheapest way to supply Australian gas consumers is instead to redirect small amounts of uncontracted LNG from exports to the domestic market.
"Making our markets and rules work better should also be a big priority. Fixing regulatory issues - such as systemic supernormal profits by electricity and gas networks - could deliver billions in consumer savings. Market concentration and lack of transparency in gas and electricity markets are also key drivers of high prices, and reforms to improve competition are essential," Ms Denis-Ryan said.
Households and businesses hold the biggest savings potential
Demand-side measures - energy efficiency, electrification, flexible demand, solar and batteries - offer the largest bill-cutting opportunities:
* Replacing inefficient heaters and hot water systems with modern electric alternatives could avoid $3.4 billion in unnecessary household costs every year.
* Shifting to efficient electricity appliances and installing solar and battery systems can reduce net household bills by up to 67%, even after accounting for the upfront cost.
* Rooftop solar, batteries, and smarter demand management could avoid billions in generation and network spending, reducing costs for all.
* Industrial energy efficiency and electrification can offer major cost savings with very short payback periods yet remain largely untapped.
Graph: Net energy bill impact of shifting to efficient electric appliances, adding solar and a battery for an average Australian household, $ per annum
Source: IEEFA (weighted average of results across major capital cities, including government rebates).
Read the report: Improving Energy Affordability Aligns with Net Zero (https://ieefa.org/sites/default/files/2025-11/IEEFA%20briefing%20note%20-%20Improving%20energy%20affordability%20aligns%20with%20net%20zero%20-%20November%202025.pdf)
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About IEEFA: The Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA) examines issues related to energy markets, trends, and policies. The Institute's mission is to accelerate the transition to a diverse, sustainable and profitable energy economy. (ieefa.org)
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Original text here: https://ieefa.org/articles/new-analysis-shows-energy-affordability-and-net-zero-go-hand-hand
[Category: Energy]
Independent Women Unveils Model Legislation to Modernize Labor Policy for America's 74+ Million Freelancers
WASHINGTON, Nov. 25 -- The Independent Women's Voice, an organization that fights for policy solutions for women, posted the following news release on Nov. 24, 2025:
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Independent Women Unveils Model Legislation to Modernize Labor Policy for America's 74+ Million Freelancers
After developing sex definitions model legislation, now law in 18 states, Independent Women turns to enact legislation that reforms access to benefits for independent contractors, half of whom are women.
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Federal and state labor policies have failed to keep pace with modern work arrangements, leaving over 74 million
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Nov. 25 -- The Independent Women's Voice, an organization that fights for policy solutions for women, posted the following news release on Nov. 24, 2025:
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Independent Women Unveils Model Legislation to Modernize Labor Policy for America's 74+ Million Freelancers
After developing sex definitions model legislation, now law in 18 states, Independent Women turns to enact legislation that reforms access to benefits for independent contractors, half of whom are women.
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Federal and state labor policies have failed to keep pace with modern work arrangements, leaving over 74 millionself-employed professionals, freelancers, and gig workers nationwide unable to access workplace benefits without jeopardizing their independent status. As states grapple with how to regulate America's evolving modern workforce, Independent Women today unveiled its new "Voluntary Portable Benefits Act" -- a forward-looking legislative model that protects worker freedom while expanding access to vital financial and healthcare benefits and protections.
Building on previous successes advanced by Independent Women to protect America's freelance workforce across the country at risk of losing their independent status, this multi-state initiative empowers the largest growing population of workers in the country to obtain voluntary benefits--such as health, disability, and retirement coverage--without being forced into traditional 9-5 employment or losing their independent status. This model allows benefits to follow workers across jobs and platforms.
In an exclusive Washington Post oped published today, Patrice Onwuka, director of Independent Women's Center for Economic Opportunity and author of the legislative model, wrote: The state's role is to knock down the legal and regulatory barriers to portable benefits. At present, state (and federal) law prohibits companies from offering benefits to independent contractors. The idea of portable benefits is widely popular among self-employed workers, who recognize its game-changing possibilities.
"The way Americans work today has changed significantly since many labor policies were created,"Onwuka said. "Workers, especially women, depend on the flexibility that independent contracting provides to balance caregiving, health issues, and other priorities. Lawmakers in red and blue states are now updating labor policy to clear the way for voluntary portable benefits programs for independent contractors. We look forward to working with new states to bring this bipartisan game-changer to their freelance workforce."
"Independent Women has become a force in state policymaking, advancing commonsense reforms that put women and families first. In just three years, we've helped create laws in 18 states--and we're just getting started," said Jordanne Kemper, Vice President of Independent Women's Voice. "Our newest model legislation--creating voluntary portable benefits for independent workers--is a win for working moms and anyone who values flexibility, freedom, and opportunity. In today's workforce, women especially value choosing career options that fit their families needs and this model supports that reality. We're proud to be driving the next wave of pro-woman, pro-worker reforms across the country."
For years, laws such as California's Assembly Bill 5 (AB5) and bills such as the federal Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act have aimed to reclassify independent contractors as employees unless they can meet strict standards.
Independent contractors are hardworking men and women who choose to work independently rather than, or sometimes alongside, traditional employment. Half of these freelancers nationwide are women--many of whom choose independent work to provide flexibility for other priorities, like caring for children or aging parents. Despite their contributions across the economy, companies are legally prohibited from offering workplace benefits to freelancers, as they are non-employees. This legal barrier leaves millions without access to the financial security tools available to traditional employees.
Polling data conducted by Independent Women shows overwhelming support for policy solutions that protect independent work: 82% of women say the government should not force them into 9-5 jobs. The data shows a clear bipartisan consensus: women want the freedom to choose how, when, and where they work.
Independent Women's Voluntary Portable Benefits Act model legislation meets that need by allowing freelancers to maintain their autonomy while gaining access to benefits they can carry from job to job and platform to platform.
This new model builds on the momentum generated in states such as Tennessee and Alabama, where portable benefits frameworks have been advanced.
Independent Women has long amplified the voices of America's independent workers through Independent Women's Features (IW Features) "Chasing Work" series, exposing the untold consequences of red tape policies that undermine the autonomy and flexibility freelancers depend on.
Now, Independent Women has launched a new national storytelling drive: "Your Work. Your Benefits. Your Story."
These stories will highlight the urgent need to expand access to portable benefits to meet the needs of today's rapidly evolving workforce. By elevating real-life experiences from freelancers, contractors, and gig workers, Independent Women will highlight why modernizing benefits is essential to supporting the livelihoods and independence of America's modern workforce.
See below to learn more about Independent Women's already-established work to protect independent contractors and freelancers across the country:
* Portable Benefits Gain Traction in Alabama and Arkansas
* 60 Seconds: Portable Benefits
* Portable Benefits Get Their Day in the Senate
* Stand for Worker Freedom and Support Portable Benefits
* Hearing: "Freedom to Work: Unlocking Benefits for Independent Workers"
* Takeaways: Portable Benefits
* New Congressional Report: Flexible Workers Should Access Benefits Too
* Independent Women Submits Public Comment for Department of Justice's Investigation into Devastating State Small Business Laws and Regulations
Chasing Work: Real Stories From People Harmed By Red Tape
Direct media inquiries and booking requests to press@iwvoice.com.
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Original text here: https://www.iwvoice.com/2025/11/independent-women-unveils-model-legislation-to-modernize-labor-policy-for-americas-74-million-freelancers/
[Category: Sociological]
Elder Ulisses Soares Dedicates the Bahia Blanca Argentina Temple
BAHIA BLANCA, Argentina, Nov. 25 -- The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints issued the following news release:
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Elder Ulisses Soares Dedicates the Bahia Blanca Argentina Temple
The country's fifth operating house of the Lord
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Elder Ulisses Soares of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles dedicated the Bahia Blanca Argentina Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Sunday, November 23, 2025.
In his dedicatory remarks, Elder Soares expressed gratitude for the faithful Latter-day Saints in the Bahia Blanca area.
"From the moment we arrived, we have felt the warmth
... Show Full Article
BAHIA BLANCA, Argentina, Nov. 25 -- The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints issued the following news release:
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Elder Ulisses Soares Dedicates the Bahia Blanca Argentina Temple
The country's fifth operating house of the Lord
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Elder Ulisses Soares of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles dedicated the Bahia Blanca Argentina Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Sunday, November 23, 2025.
In his dedicatory remarks, Elder Soares expressed gratitude for the faithful Latter-day Saints in the Bahia Blanca area.
"From the moment we arrived, we have felt the warmthof your spirits and the strength of your faith," he said. "Truly, this is a day of rejoicing, a day long hoped for, now fulfilled by the hand of the Lord."
He went on to share his personal experience of waiting many years for the temple's blessings after he and his family joined the Church, honoring the perseverance of members who have long awaited the construction of a temple near them.
"We are grateful the Lord inspired His prophet to build a temple in this land. In moments like these, we are reminded of God's perfect and infinite love for His children, reaching across time and distance to bless those who seek Him with humble hearts," he said.
2025 marks the 100th anniversary of the dedication of South America for the preaching of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. Elder Soares feels that dedicating this house of the Lord is part of the significant commemoration.
"What a great blessing to conclude this beautiful year of celebration with the temple dedication," said Elder Soares. "What a magnificent opportunity and blessing to see the growth of the kingdom of the Lord in South America that started here in Argentina in 1925. This temple is a symbol of faith; it's a beacon and a light to Argentina."
Many local Latter-day Saints were invited to participate in the dedication ceremony.
"It will be a place of spiritual strength for the people here and now that the Bahia Blanca [Argentina] Temple is closer to us, we will try to go as often as possible to be strengthened," said Nicolas Munoz, of Neuquen, Argentina.
"This is the house of the Lord, and when we enter--or when we want to be closer to Him--it is only necessary to come here, and we will be in His presence," said Beatriz Gottau, of Bahia Blanca.
President Russell M. Nelson announced the Bahia Blanca Temple in April 2020.
"Temples are a crowning part of the Restoration of the fullness of the gospel of Jesus Christ," he said then. "In God's goodness and generosity, He is bringing the blessings of the temple closer to His children everywhere."
Argentina is home to nearly 500,000 Latter-day Saints in close to 750 congregations.
In addition to the Bahia Blanca Temple, operating temples in Argentina are in Buenos Aires, Cordoba, Mendoza and Salta. Temples have also been announced in Buenos Aires City Center and Rosario.
Latter-day Saints consider each temple a house of the Lord and the most sacred place of worship on earth. Temples differ from the Church's meetinghouses (chapels). All are welcome to attend Sunday worship services and weekday activities at local meetinghouses. The primary purpose of temples is for faithful members of the Church of Jesus Christ to participate in sacred ceremonies, such as eternal marriages, which unite families forever, and proxy baptisms on behalf of deceased ancestors who did not have the opportunity to be baptized while living.
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Original text here: https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/elder-ulisses-soares-dedicates-the-bahia-blanca-argentina-temple
[Category: Religion]
Elder Bednar Visits BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi
ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates, Nov. 25 -- The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints issued the following news release:
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Elder Bednar Visits BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi
Hindu and Latter-day Saint leaders work together in friendship to bless lives and promote peace
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Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints visited the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Saturday, November 15, 2025. He met with His Holiness Brahmavihari Swamiji, head of the BAPS Hindu Mandir Abu Dhabi, who also oversees
... Show Full Article
ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates, Nov. 25 -- The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints issued the following news release:
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Elder Bednar Visits BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi
Hindu and Latter-day Saint leaders work together in friendship to bless lives and promote peace
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Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints visited the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Saturday, November 15, 2025. He met with His Holiness Brahmavihari Swamiji, head of the BAPS Hindu Mandir Abu Dhabi, who also overseesinternational relations for BAPS.
The meeting was marked by mutual respect and a shared desire to promote harmony, peace and service. Both leaders emphasized the importance of fostering a compassionate and unified world.
Their conversation highlighted common values, such as dialogue and service. Faith leaders discussed ongoing efforts by both faith communities to support those in need and contribute to global peacebuilding.
Elder Bednar expressed appreciation for His Holiness's recent visit to Utah and his time with the First Presidency there. The delegation also toured the mandir, learning about its history, its architectural design and the vision behind its construction.
Elder Bednar was accompanied by Elder Anthony D. Perkins, Elder Adilson de Paula Parrella and Elder Roland J. Back from the Middle East/Africa North Area Presidency, and Elder Kelly R. Johnson from the Asia Area Presidency.
This visit is part of an ongoing relationship that has developed through several meaningful interactions over time. Leaders from both faith communities have met on multiple occasions to strengthen understanding and explore ways to serve together.
For example, in February 2024, Church leaders in Abu Dhabi attended the Festival of Harmony during the Mandir's opening celebrations.
In June 2025, His Holiness met with the First Presidency in Salt Lake City to discuss shared goals of unity and service.
In September 2025, leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints attended the grand opening ceremony of the BAPS Mandir in the Salt Lake area in Utah.
Pranav Desai, Director of the BAPS Hindu Mandir Abu Dhabi, reflected on the significance of the mandir as a symbol of devotion and unity.
"The BAPS Hindu Mandir is a true reflection of the story of harmony and tolerance felt across the UAE," he said. "It is inspiring to see how faith can bring people together. We value our friendship with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints -- here in Abu Dhabi and around the world."
He added, "We were happy to host Elder Bednar, who had a wonderful and heartfelt conversation with His Holiness Brahmavihari Swamiji. His Holiness fondly recalled his meeting with the First Presidency and warmly congratulated President Dallin H. Oaks for his leadership."
Elder Parrella, First Counselor in the Middle East/Africa North Area Presidency, reflected on the meeting: "Since my first visit to this beautiful Hindu temple, I have been impressed -- not only by the architecture but by the devotion of the people.
"They come to express their faith and to learn how to bless others. I'm honored to call these people my brothers and sisters.
"The United Arab Emirates and its leadership offer all of us a remarkable opportunity to work together and serve the community. We can all learn from each other and do something meaningful together."
BAPS, Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha, is a significant socio-spiritual organization within Hinduism. It is known for its commitment to promoting moral and social values, and its efforts in community service. BAPS also emphasizes the importance of faith and spiritual growth in individuals, believing that inner peace is essential for external progress.
BAPS has a network of over 1,800 mandirs (temples) and 21,000 Satsang centers (congregations) worldwide. Its followers are estimated to number in the tens of millions.
Respect for the diverse beliefs and interfaith coexistence is a core principle of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In his January 2024 World Interfaith Harmony Week message, Elder Bednar highlighted the Church's respect for other religions, encouraging everyone to "engage in acts of learning ... bridging gaps of understanding between different traditions and worldviews."
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Original text here: https://news-middleeast.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/baps-elder-bednar-hindu-latter-day-saints-abu-dhabi
[Category: Religion]
At COP30 Global Solidarity Fades and Vulnerable Communities are Left Behind
ATLANTA, Georgia, Nov. 25 -- Care, an organization that says it is dedicated to ending poverty, issued the following news release:
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At COP30 global solidarity fades and vulnerable communities are left behind
Belem, Brazil - COP30 has failed to live up to the spirit of mutirao--the global solidarity needed to confront the accelerating climate crisis. The outcome In Belem exposes critical gaps in ambition and political will. Adaptation finance remains insufficient and there is no certainty about the - in principle - agreed scale-up leaving vulnerable countries with little support to bear
... Show Full Article
ATLANTA, Georgia, Nov. 25 -- Care, an organization that says it is dedicated to ending poverty, issued the following news release:
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At COP30 global solidarity fades and vulnerable communities are left behind
Belem, Brazil - COP30 has failed to live up to the spirit of mutirao--the global solidarity needed to confront the accelerating climate crisis. The outcome In Belem exposes critical gaps in ambition and political will. Adaptation finance remains insufficient and there is no certainty about the - in principle - agreed scale-up leaving vulnerable countries with little support to bearthe brunt of an already changed climate they had little hand in creating.
Despite broad recognition that adaptation to the impacts of climate change is critical, developing countries' demand to triple adaptation finance to at least $120 billion a year by 2030 remains unmet as developed countries would not provide a clear commitment.
At the same time, the outcome provides no clear roadmap to transition away from fossil fuels, threatening the fault line of 1.5 C: without stronger action now, the world is heading towards high temperatures where climate justice is unattainable. The absence of a clear signal to phase out fossil fuels undermines any prospect of a fair and effective global and just transition.
COP30 delivered a new Belem Gender Action Plan -- an important step forward, but without real finance or accountability, women and girls on the frontlines are still left waiting for meaningful support.
CARE remains concerned that governments are not moving beyond rhetoric and are failing to deliver predictable, grant-based finance, a credible pathway away from fossil fuels, and climate plans that reflect the urgency of the crisis.
CARE QUOTES
Marlene Achoki, Global Climate Justice Policy and Advocacy Lead, CARE International
"This outcome is a failure, and failure to act is negligence. Communities are already living the climate crisis, and millions are paying the price. Adaptation is essential to protect lives and safeguard economies, yet at a COP30 billed as the 'COP of Truth,' outcomes fall far short. There is no clarity on how much money is channeled to adaptation, where it will come from, its quality, or how progress will be measured. Without adequate, public, grant-based finance and ambition, climate change will keep multiplying poverty and deepening inequality, especially for women and girls fighting daily for safety and dignity."
Chikondi Chabvuta, Southern Africa Regional Advisor, CARE Malawi CMP
"COP30 delivered the Belem Gender Action Plan, a milestone, but not the breakthrough LDCs and all developing countries fought for. We asked for binding gender-responsive finance, direct access for grassroots women, and accountability. Instead, we got voluntary language and dialogues. CARE's programs from the Village Savings and Loans Associations (VSLAs) models to gender-responsive adaptation planning, are ready to operationalize these commitments, but without real resources and enforcement, women and girls on the frontlines remain underfunded. Climate justice must move beyond promises to delivery, and we stand ready to turn words into action if the finance flows."
Mrityunjoy Das, Deputy Director, Humanitarian and Resilient Futures, CARE Bagladesh
"Despite including stronger language on avoiding catastrophic temperature rise, the Mutirao decision text falls far short of aligning with the 1.5 C limit. It lacks a just and equitable roadmap for transitioning away from fossil fuels and for halting and reversing forest loss by 2030. The launch of the 'Belem Mission to 1.5' and the voluntary 'Global Implementation Accelerator' is not reassuring without clear reference to the first Global Stocktake and its sectoral outcomes, leaving the package high-level and lacking the necessary detail on modalities."
John Nordbo, Senior Advisor on Climate Change, CARE Denmark
"COP30 delivers a weak outcome at a moment that demands real leadership. There is no commitment to phase out fossil fuels and no guarantee that wealthy countries will deliver the climate finance they have repeatedly promised. The text merely calls for efforts for a tripling of adaptation finance by 2035, which is far below what is needed and weaker than last year's climate finance goal. The EU played a central role in engineering this failure. By refusing to guarantee delivery on past finance promises, the EU undermined trust and blocked the creation of an alliance of ambitious countries needed to raise the bar."
Obed Koringo, Climate Policy Advisor, CARE Denmark
"Frontline communities are bearing the harshest climate impacts, from sudden disasters to slow-onset crises -- yet COP30 still failed to give Loss and Damage the urgent attention they need. The Barbados Implementation Mechanism may be a step forward, but the Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage remains woefully underfunded. A new replenishment cycle is welcome, but it means nothing without enhanced contributions from developed countries to deliver long-term, predictable and timely finance for those hit the hardest."
Kerime van Opijnen, Policy Advisor Gender Equality and Climate Justice, CARE Nederland
"The adoption of a new Belem Gender Action Plan is an important step toward making climate action inclusive and accessible to all. We welcome the recognition of care work, women's health, and violence against women and girls as key issues that must be addressed. While the exclusion of human rights language is worrying and the lack of direct finance highly disappointing, this text still represents progress and can help move us toward true climate justice."
Note to editors:
CARE works in more than 100 countries, focusing on women and girls, humanitarian response, development, and climate resilience.
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Original text here: https://www.care.org/media-and-press/at-cop30-global-solidarity-fades-and-vulnerable-communities-are-left-behind/
[Category: Sociological]
PETA Statement: Miami Seaquarium Survivors Must Not Be Shipped Off to Seedy Show
MIAMI, Florida, Nov. 25 -- People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals issued the following news release:
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PETA Statement: Miami Seaquarium Survivors Must Not Be Shipped Off to Seedy Show
Court filings have revealed that the Miami Seaquarium's bankrupt owner, The Dolphin Company, plans to transfer nine sea lions and three seals who remain at the now-shuttered facility to Sea Lion Splash--a traveling animal exhibitor with a history of citations for violating the federal Animal Welfare Act. Below, please find a statement from PETA President Tracy Reiman:
"The Dolphin Company is as bankrupt
... Show Full Article
MIAMI, Florida, Nov. 25 -- People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals issued the following news release:
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PETA Statement: Miami Seaquarium Survivors Must Not Be Shipped Off to Seedy Show
Court filings have revealed that the Miami Seaquarium's bankrupt owner, The Dolphin Company, plans to transfer nine sea lions and three seals who remain at the now-shuttered facility to Sea Lion Splash--a traveling animal exhibitor with a history of citations for violating the federal Animal Welfare Act. Below, please find a statement from PETA President Tracy Reiman:
"The Dolphin Company is as bankruptmorally as it is financially, as after years of subjecting the animals in its clutches to a life of deprivation and misery, it now plans to extend their suffering indefinitely by shipping animals off to a seedy traveling show where they'll be forced to perform circus-style tricks and treated as nothing more than props for photo ops. These animals have been through hell, and PETA is pleading for them to finally be allowed some semblance of a normal life at a reputable facility."
PETA notes that Sea Lion Splash has been cited for a litany of violations of the Animal Welfare Act--including keeping saltwater animals in freshwater and failing to provide sea lions with adequate veterinary care.
PETA--whose motto reads, in part, that "animals are not ours to use for entertainment"--points out that Every Animal Is Someone and offers free Empathy Kits for people who need a lesson in kindness. For more information, please visit PETA.org or follow PETA on X, Facebook, or Instagram.
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Original text here: https://www.peta.org/media/news-releases/peta-statement-miami-seaquarium-survivors-must-not-be-shipped-off-to-seedy-show/
[Category: Animals]
