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A message from Maria Castaneda, Secretary-Treasurer of 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East.



Millions of people around the world will take to the streets Nov. 29 - the eve of the U.N. Climate Talks in Paris (COP 21) - to demand bold urgent action on the climate crisis. We can no longer wait for U.N. leadership to act on climate change.



The COP21 world leaders have a chance to address ways to deal with climate change before it's too late. They must put forward a serious plan for a just transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources that protects people, workers and the planet. Sign this petition to let the U.S. delegation to the United Nations know that now is the time for bold action on climate change. We need good jobs, justice and clean energy for all. This issue is one of the top issues of the 21st century.



I will be in Paris with SEIU and other global trade union sisters and brothers to demand environmental justice. I am tired of seeing our children suffering from asthma because they live in communities where the amounts of toxic chemicals in the air create horrible health outcomes.



I no longer want to see members of 1199SEIU, some with homes under water, working around the clock and putting their lives at risk caring for patients during disasters such as Hurricane Sandy.



I will express solidarity with my sisters and brothers of my home island nation, the Philippines, still suffering from the disastrous effects of Typhoon Haiyan, including the loss of more than 6,300 innocent people.



I will raise our concerns for people dying from climate sensitive diseases such as malaria, cholera, dengue fever, West Nile and Ebola - all exacerbated by climate change.



I will register our strong opposition to regional conflicts and wars that have forced millions from their homes and nations. Too many instances are directly related to climate change.



I will add our strength to the cause of putting a halt to rising oceans that will soon submerge entire island nations.



Let’s make sure our leaders and everyone at COP 21 get the message that we are demanding action on climate now. Sign this petition to demand action now and help us reach our goal of 1 million signatures.



You can find and join local Nov. 29th events here.`

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