Effective climate action is the most important imperative now facing humanity, overshadowing all other national and global challenges.  The International Energy Association is now warning that if the world does not soon reverse its carbon-burning trajectory, then we will “lose forever” the chance to hold warming to safe levels.

Several broad measures must be enacted quickly, to prevent runaway climate destabilization:

• An increasing price must be placed on carbon, with rebates to the public. This would both spur research and allow non-carbon energy to become competitive. This plan must start in the US, followed by worldwide enactment of similar policies.
• A carbon phase-out plan that limits warming to 2°C and is fair among nations is necessary. The industrialized world must assist the developing nations with clean energy alternatives.
• Coal must be phased out and unconventional fuels, like tar sands, must remain in the ground.

The Association for the Tree of Life (ATL) is calling for a new, bold response to leverage the transformation needed —to mobilize a critical mass of American people in a compelling grassroots campaign. The US public must be warned of the threat and the need for an immediate response. The goal must be effective carbon pricing policy.

Our national foundations, which work for the common good, must now help in a coordinated partnership effort to catalyze effective action. The ATL has the experience and human resources to mobilize the campaign—gathering many groups under one "tent"—to to effect the required policy changes in the tight timeframe available. A consortium of national foundations has the credibility, influence and resources to call for and support the campaign.