The Union of Concerned Scientists would like to invite you to join a free webinar, Experts as Advocates: Moving Congress on Tropical Forests, on February 10, from 1 to 2 pm EST. RSVP here: http://www.ucsusa.org/global_warming/what_you_can_do/rsvp-forest-webinar.html
The webinar will share how experts like scientists and economists can - and should - be in touch with elected officials and their staff to share relevant expertise and weigh in on important issues. In 2009, at the United Nations climate meeting in Copenhagen, Denmark, the United States pledged $1 billion (over three years) for tropical forests. Fiscal year 2012 (FY 2012) will be the third year in that promise and the United States still has a long way to go to meet the $1 billion goal. The FY 2012 Appropriations bill will determine success or failureand will be the most important fight for tropical forests in Congress this year. We need your help to ensure that the funding this fiscal year is strong enough to keep the $1 billion promise. To get there, we need policy makers and their staff to understand the science and economics behind reducing emissions from deforestation and protecting tropical forests, rather than basing their decisions on politics. You do not need to be a forest expert to weigh in on this issue, even being a concerned expert constituent will make a difference. The webinar will include an overview of the appropriations process, the latest intelligence about tropical forest funding from Capitol Hill, and information about how you can be an effective messenger for tropical forestsboth from your home state and in-person in Washington, DC. Dr. Stuart Pimm, Doris Duke Professor of Conservation Ecology in the Nicholas School at Duke University, will join the call to share his experiences pushing for tropical forest funding last year and to provide insight on how experts can relate to congressional staffers and policy makers successfully. RSVP today: http://www.ucsusa.org/global_warming/what_you_can_do/rsvp-forest-webinar.html Best, Sarah Sarah Roquemore Outreach Coordinator Tropical Forest & Climate Initiative Climate and Energy Program Union of Concerned Scientists 1825 K Street NW Suite 800 Washington DC 20006-1232 Direct Line: 202-331-5669 Fax: 202-223-6162 Founded in 1969, the Union of Concerned Scientists is an independent, science-based nonprofit working for a healthy environment and a safer world. www.ucsusa.org
