|
Climate Change - Earth Day on April 22
Carbon Footprint: How Do We Contribute to Global Warming? As fossil fuels like coal and oil are burned for energy, carbon pollution increases. The level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere has reached approximately 390 parts per million (ppm), significantly higher than the 350 ppm threshold scientists agree is needed to maintain a healthy global temperature. With the world population now at 7 billion, reducing carbon pollution is essential. Yet developed countries such as the U.S. contribute a disproportionate amount to global warming. Both China and the U.S. emit around 6 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide a year—much more than any other country. However, with one-fourth of China’s population, the U.S. per capita rate of pollution makes it incumbent that we take responsibility for our disproportionate role in global warming. Climate Change and the Environment However, even if we changed our fossil-fuel based economy immediately, the compounding effects of current global warming will continue to heat the planet, so it is necessary also to find—and fund—ways to adapt to the effects of climate change. The effects of atmospheric warming do not remain within the borders of industrialized nations, but instead have the greatest impact on countries that are least responsible for climate change. Worse off are countries with high poverty levels, those who depend directly on local food production, or whose fragile ecosystems are highly susceptible to changes in sea and weather patterns. For example, the melting of the polar ice caps affects small Pacific islands most significantly. Rising sea waters have substantially eroded coastlines, devastated mangroves and other essential habitats, salted wells and other freshwater sources, and in some cases swallowed whole villages, forcing displaced communities into crowded population centers or to leave their island homes altogether. If sea levels rise as predicted, low-lying countries such as Bangladesh will lose most of their land mass, islands in the Pacific will disappear, and coastal marshes such as the Everglades in South Florida will be under sea water. For plants and animals, global warming means that many will not adjust in time and will become extinct. Climate Change and Global Poverty Expectations for an effective international agreement to control carbon emissions in the near future have virtually disappeared. While the need to reduce the massive levels of carbon pollution remains urgent, attention has shifted in the meantime to initiatives that would help communities adapt to the emerging consequences of climate change. Because they are poor, those most impacted are also least able to adjust to these effects of a warming planet. Many will lose their homes or be unable to grow food for their families. Communities will have to adapt to increasing natural disasters like flooding, stronger hurricanes and changes in rainfall patterns. Climate migrants—those displaced due to climate change, will add stress to already overcrowded urban centers and exacerbate the current global food crisis. Since climate damage cuts across all borders, an international strategy and mechanisms for international financing are needed to assist all countries in adapting to the impacts of climate change. U.S. foreign assistance should include programs aimed at helping communities suffering the consequences of climate change, and programs that invest in clean technology and in disaster risk reduction. Failing to do so will cost more in the future when environmental disasters are cataclysmic and an even greater number are in need of emergency assistance. The U.S. must provide international leadership toward climate adaptation and must do its part. It is only fair that those who have benefitted most from using the earth’s resources now take responsibility for ensuring the world to come is still livable and that there is enough for all. What can you do?
Addressing climate concerns is a priority of Global Ministries. On the
From December 7-18, 2009 government leaders from around the world will gather in Copenhagen, Denmark, to seek a new global agreement that address the causes and consequences of climate change. Find out more about the Odyssey Network special video coverage of the world's faith groups in action at the crucial climate summit.
Go to
Hopes for finalizing a new agreement to replace the Learn more about climate change and what we all can do, at home, at church, in your community and through government advocacy: |
|
As Christians we are called to be stewards of the earth. But individual and industrial pollution is taking a drastic toll on the environment and risking the integrity and sustainability of creation. From conservation to consumption, the way we use resources and energy reflects our values and our commitment to ensure that the earth and its abundance are shared by all around the world and by future generations. 
