Global warming - should Christians care??

 

by Janet Fulljames of St. Andrew's Church Taunton 14 January 2007

 

This is the first of a series of articles about climate change. Each month I will look at some aspect of the environmental problems the world now faces and consider what we as Christians might be able to do. I am not a scientist, my aim is to share with you some information and ideas and give you some further resources so that you can find out more.

 

I begin with the assumption that global warming is a reality and that it is a serious problem for us and for future generations. I know that a few scientists say the climate has always varied and they are not convinced that human beings are responsible for global warming. Other scientists believe there is very little we can do to stop the changes that are already taking place. Most scientists however are convinced that human behaviour is having a huge impact on our global environment and argue for action now so that future generations suffer as little as possible.

 

Increases in carbon dioxide and other gases in the atmosphere are changing the climate. This means glaciers and the polar ice caps are melting, sea levels are predicted to rise and parts of the global land mass will disappear under water, including large parts of Somerset. Millions of people worldwide will need to find new homes, and many animal species will be at risk. While we in this country might enjoy the hotter summers and milder winters, for many other people climate change will mean drought, famine and desertification. Killer diseases such as malaria will spread, probably into southern Europe.

 

Christians have a particular responsibility to take these matters seriously and consider how to reduce carbon emissions.

 

• We believe in a God who has created this earth, and made it a good place for all that has been created. (Genesis 1:31.)

• We believe in a God who has entrusted the earth to human beings, to care for it and all living things upon it. (Genesis 1: 27-28.)

• Creation is the consequence of the outpouring of God’s love, it reflects that love, presence and power. (Isaiah 40: 28-31).

• The created world is a sign of God’s faithfulness, seen in God’s relationship with people, and the redemption of the world through Christ. (Colossians 1: 13-20).

• We are called to continue Christ’s work, bringing hope and justice to the world. (Matthew 6:10). (2 Corinthians 5:18).

• Global warming will affect the poor far more than the richer nations of the world. God has a special concern for the needs of the poor. Christ calls us to be generous and share our resources with others.

    (Psalm 113: 7) (Luke 16: 19-20).