Record temperatures reported as climate talks enter second week

As the climate talks on Cancun, Mexico continue into its second week, the Earth continues to warm. The World Meteorological Organization this week reported that 2010 is on track to become one of the three hottest years -- and 2001-2010 the warmest 10-year period on record.

Scientists say a gradually warming earth is expected to bring on droughts and floods with increasing frequency, and a report issued at the conference in Mexico Friday said about 350,000 lives are at risk annually worldwide from such natural disasters.

“Environmental degradation often affects poor and vulnerable people the most,” says Cecilia Calvo, Environmental Justice Program Coordinator at the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB).

US Bishops are working with other Catholic organizations to help those affected by climate change around the world, but are also actively involved in climate legislation in their country.

“I hope that as these talks are going on now in Cancun, the decision makers there will remember how important it is when it comes to climate change and addressing this important issue that we…care for creation and we care for those who are most affected,” Calvo told Vatican Radio.

“I hope that in the near future we’ll see the needed resources dedicated to helping people in poverty and in developing countries to adapt to climate change and to mitigate climate change.”

Listen to Cecilia Calvo’s full interview with Kelsea Brennan-Wessels: