Answering the Pope’s Call

This morning, I spoke at the climate rally on the National Mall in Washington D.C. Inspired by Pope Francis’ visit, thousands of us — from all walks of life — gathered to show our commitment to be good stewards of this world.

Starting with President Obama’s Clean Power Plan, we’ve made a promise to do our part to cut carbon pollution today so our kids don’t inherit climate chaos tomorrow. And in Paris this December, we’re going to join with other nations to strike a decisive blow against the central environmental challenge of our time.

It was an honor to share the city with a man who came all the way from the Vatican to tell the truth about the growing dangers of climate change. Together, we can create a brighter and better future.

— Aliya

Here’s what I said:

Good morning!

Thank you for being here bright and early.

You know, looking out at this crowd, it seems that we come from all walks of life. But I bet we can agree here on one thing: Climate change is happening. It’s real, right here, right now. And we’re going to cut carbon pollution today, so our kids don’t inherit climate chaos tomorrow.

You know, every day our Congress hears from the big polluters. Every day, they hear from Big Oil and Big Coal. And every single day, our Congress hears the voices of denial and delay.

Well — not today.

Because on this day, on this historic and incredible day, Pope Francis came all the way from the Vatican to tell the truth about the growing dangers of climate change. To tell the truth about our moral obligation to be good stewards of this world — our common home. To tell the truth about what it means to live out our convictions and act on our beliefs.

And we stand here today to make this promise — that we will do our part.

We’re going to cut our carbon footprint, right here at home, in every state across this great country. Our down payment is President Obama’s Clean Power Plan.

We’re going to do our part.

We’re going to stand with the people living on the front lines, in the disadvantaged corners of the world, who bear the greatest burden and pay the highest price for this global catastrophe. And in Paris this December, we’re going to join the people of every nation to strike a decisive blow against the central environmental challenge of our time.

Together, we will do our part to fight the escalating dangers of climate change.

Thank you for standing up and doing your part — everyday — to create a brighter and better world for our children.