Washington DC, November 4, 2013 -- Voces Verdes issued the following statement on the heels of President Obama's announcement of an Executive Order to direct federal agencies to help states and communities improve resilience against storms, droughts and extreme weather events.

"President Obama's announcement is a welcome and timely step to ensure we help minimize the damage and heartbreak that communities suffer when struck by extreme weather events as a result of our changing climate.  Part of our approach to addressing climate change must include appropriate preparedness for its consequences. This executive order will help states, cities and communities become more resilient and better prepare and recover from climate-related disasters.

Members of this task force know we can no longer bury our collective heads in the sand on climate change. Our states, cities and communities must be ready for what will come and these governors, mayors and tribal officials are leading the way ensuring that we rebuild smarter, strengthen critical infrastructure and public health responses and address the causes of climate change, most importantly, reducing carbon pollution."

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