[Sierra Club — Press Release] Local activists and clean energy supporters joined today the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Las Vegas and the Sierra Club for a ‘preach-in’ on climate change. The Southern Nevada ‘Global Warming and the Interconnected Web’ preach-in, led by Reverend Ian W. Riddell, was part of a National Preach-In on Global Warming calling on community members to act and protect our environment working with those most affected by environmental degradation to build a healthier, more sustainable future for all.

“People of all religions have a shared purpose in doing our part to keep God’s Earth clean and healthy for the future” said Reverend Ian W. Riddell. “One thing is clear — the impacts of climate change during this century and beyond will be far greater and more rapid if global warming pollution continues to grow and we don’t reduce our carbon dioxide emissions.”

The preach-in comes on the heels of a resolution passed by the Indigenous Ministries Network of the Episcopal Church Province 8 — representing dioceses from Hawaii to Alaska – unanimously calling for the replacement of coal fired power plants with renewable energy resources. The Episcopal Church Province 8 has expressed concern for the well-being of the Moapa Band of Paiutes who suffer ill effects from the proximity of and emissions from the Reid Gardner Generating Station, a coal fired power plant. Carbon pollution is the main contributor to climate disruption and is linked to life-threatening air pollution—such as the smog that can trigger asthma attacks.

“Crippling drought, devastating wildfires, and super-storm Sandy have brought climate change home, and Southern Nevadans will send a message that the time to act is now” said Elspeth Cordua, Organizer with the Sierra Club’s Beyond Coal campaign. “It’s time for a renewable energy future that breaks the addiction to dirty and dangerous fuels like coal, natural gas, nuclear and tar sands oil.”

The Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Las Vegas’ preach-in was a prelude to thousands of protesters converging on Washington DC and on several cities across the U.S. the following week for the ‘Forward on Climate’ rallies – the largest on climate change in history – to be led by 350.org and the Sierra Club. The rallies will demand decisive action to reduce dangerous carbon pollution, phase out carbon-intensive fossil fuels and boost up energy efficiency and clean energy.