Global Warming and the Care of Creation

“The earth is the Lord’s and all that is in it, the world, and those who live in it…” Psalm 24:1

Special Calendar Dates

• March 22 is World Water Day
• April 22 is Earth Day

Around the world people face increasing food shortages, natural disasters and rising sea waters due to climate change. Climate change has created conflict over scarce land and natural resources and contributed to the problem of migration. As communities of faith we can take steps to be good stewards of the earth, but significant industry and international efforts are also needed to curb carbon pollution and reduce the impact on the environment and on vulnerable communities. Addressing climate concerns with partners is a priority of Global Ministries.

How Do We Contribute to Climate Change?

As fossil fuels like coal and oil are burned for energy, carbon pollution increases. The level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere has reached significantly higher than the amount scientists agree is needed to maintain a healthy global temperature. With the world population now at 7 billion, reducing carbon pollution is essential.

Care for the Environment

However, even if we changed our fossil-fuel based economy immediately, the compounding effects 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 nations. Countries with high poverty levels, those who depend directly on local food production, or whose fragile ecosystems are highly vulnerable to changes in sea and weather patterns are impacted the most.

Climate Change, Poverty and Hunger

Those most impacted by climate change are also least able to adjust to the 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 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 benefited 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?

• Take the Paris Pledge – Interfaith Power & Light has created the “Paris Pledge.” You can commit to reducing your carbon pollution by 50% by the year 2030 and to be carbon neutral by 2050. IPL will tally all pledges and share these results with the global community in Paris. By living as examples, we will show our world leaders that we believe change is not only possible, but happening now.
• Calculate your carbon footprint and make energy-saving choices like buying less and buying local products at home, in your workplace, and in your congregation. Cutting back on driving and flying is another way to reduce your carbon footprint.
• Contact your elected officials in local, state, and federal government. Tell them that preserving God’s creation and providing justice to “the least of these” affected by global warming are issues of faith and that it is urgent we enact smart public policies not only to reduce carbon pollution, but also to help communities around the world adapt to a world made warmer and wetter by climate change.
• Learn more about climate change and what we all can do, at home, at church, in your community, and through government advocacy.
• Support Global Ministries projects that protect the environment.

Other Environmental Issues

• Water and Sanitation
• Mining and Resource Extraction

Resources

• Disciples of Christ Green Chalice Ministries
• United Church of Christ Environmental Ministries
• UCC Carbon Neutral Resources for Congregations
• Creation Justice Ministries Educational Resources
• National Religious Partnership for the Environment
• United Nations Work on Climate Change