California is often at the forefront of implementing strong environmental regulations, many times going beyond what the federal Environmental Protection Agency requires. We hope other state and country leaders will follow California's example as the world comes together to build off of the momentum of the Paris agreement.

For the first time in history, every country in the world has agreed on the need for a common climate goal. All 196 nations have bought into its overarching purpose - that we must all take action to prevent our planet's temperature from increasing to a point that would result in dangerous climate change.

This week we were honored to give seed grants of $1000 each to people around the world who are tackling environmental and social problems in their communities.

The religious community is abuzz with commentary on the Pope's recently released encyclical on climate change and the moral imperative to address its consequences, borne disproportionately on the backs of the global poor.