Senate Democrats hold all-nighter on climate

Washington, D.C. (March 10, 2014) – Tonight Senate Democrats will hold an all-night talking session on the Senate floor to highlight the need for action on climate change. Spearheaded by Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) and Senator Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.), the session will also feature Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and at least 25 other Senate Democrats. The climate information marathon begins right after voting ends this evening, and will run until 9 am tomorrow. The following is a quote from Defenders of Wildlife Vice President of Landscape Conservation and Climate Adaptation Noah Matson:

“Our nation is already experiencing severe climate change impacts, such as massive storm damage to major cities and punishing droughts in key agriculture regions. Wildlife and ecosystems are feeling the effects from Alaska to Florida. We commend Senator Boxer and Senator Whitehouse, and the other senators who are giving up sleep to put the spotlight on the desperate need for climate change action. We hope that more of our legislators will join them in taking our warming planet seriously and acting to address it. The time is now.

“Our representatives in Congress can’t solve climate change in one night. But tonight’s talks can and should be our introduction to a year of climate change action in 2014. Ensuring climate resilience funding would be an excellent start.”

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Defenders of Wildlife is dedicated to the protection of all native animals and plants in their natural communities. With more than 1.1 million members and activists, Defenders of Wildlife is a leading advocate for innovative solutions to safeguard our wildlife heritage for generations to come. For more information, visit www.defenders.org and follow us on Twitter @DefendersNews.