Nearly 600 Catholic institutions in the United States have declared that they are “still in” on the Paris Climate Agreement.

This remarkable announcement occurred a year after President Donald Trump withdrew from the international framework that aims to reduce carbon emissions and create tangible ways to fight global climate change. Of the hundreds of signers, three from Maine took part in this act of solidarity and advocacy for the environment, including Saint Michael Parish in Augusta, Cheverus High School in Portland, and Saint Joseph’s College of Maine in Standish.

As a graduate of Cheverus High School, I am very proud of the initiative my alma mater has taken to conserve our natural resources and protect our home for the future. Climate change is a bipartisan issue that extends across all races, religions, locations, and beliefs, because we are all citizens of the world and must share the responsibility to protect our home and resources for future generations.

Individuals, companies, universities, state representatives, and religious figures have all pledged that they are “still in.” In the face of the current administration’s climate denial, we must continue to urge our elected leaders in Congress and in local and state government to fight for climate change and advocate for sustainability and conservation.

Madeleine Fenderson

Environment Maine

Portland