ENERGY CONSUMPTION IN THE U.S., BY SOURCE

Coal—44%
Natural gas—24%
Nuclear—20%
Hydroelectric—7%
Other—5%

Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration

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$22 million—The amount that the oil spill is costing BP every day, compared with initial estimates of a $6 million daily tab. A month after the Deepwater Horizon exploded, the spill had cost BP $760 million.

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IN THE RED

More than a third of the 47,000 animal and plant species tracked by the International Union for Conservation of Nature face extinction, according to the group's latest Red List—a study used to help governments identify species in need of protection.

Portion Endangered:

Mammals—21%

Amphibians—30%

Birds—12%

Reptiles—28%

Freshwater Fish—38%

Plants—70%

Invertebrates—35%

CATHOLIC SOCIAL TEACHING ON CLIMATE CHANGE

The Catholic Church brings a distinct perspective to the debate about climate change by lifting up the moral dimensions of this issue and the needs of the most vulnerable among us. The USCCB is focusing on particular parts of the climate change issue. Our efforts promote prudent action to address the growing impact of global climate change and pursue the common good in a very polarized debate. The bishops' primary concern is to place the needs of the poor and vulnerable at the center of climate legislation. Poor people cannot be made to bear an undue burden of the impacts of climate change or the global adjustments needed to address it.

People living in poverty--both at home and abroad--contribute least to climate change but they are likely to suffer its worst consequences with few resources to adapt and respond. The impacts of climate change--including increased temperatures, rising sea levels, and changes in rainfall that contribute to more frequent and severe floods and droughts--are making the lives of the world's poorest even more precarious. Urgent action that both addresses the growing impact of climate change and acts to protect the poor and vulnerable is needed.

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