Six Degrees of Separation: Creation Care in a Changing World

Transcription

1 R.L. Lindroth March 1, 2014 Six Degrees of Separation: Creation Care in a Changing World I. Introduction Much of the damage inflicted on land is quite invisible to laymen. An ecologist must either harden his shell and make believe that the consequences of science are none of his business, or he must be the doctor who sees the marks of death in a community that believes itself well and does not want to be told otherwise. (Aldo Leopold, A Sand County Almanac ) Nonscientists generally view major environmental issues as problems of science and technology, not as problems of the human condition. We must understand that Christianity provides answers central to the resolution of these issues. Environmental problems are, fundamentally, moral problems. II. The Nature of Environmental Degradation A. A litany of problems Humanity s ecological footprint is now 25% greater than the size of the earth and will be 100% greater by B. The perfect storm 1. Population 2. Prosperity 3. Poverty III. A Theology of Creation Care A. The Story: creation care in context Concern about the environment is central to proper understanding of the gospel. Concern for God s creation is not only a legitimate Christian concern, but one that is fundamental for building a proper view of who God is - as both creator and redeemer - and what He has calls us to do in building His kingdom on Earth. A. God as Creator Gen. 1:31 Rev. 4:10, 11 Ps

2 Implications for proper understanding of God as Creator: 1. To know Him as Creator means to worship Him as Creator. 2. To know Him as Creator means to celebrate and care for His creation. B. God as Redeemer The New Testament is clear that the redemption and reconciliation of Christ extend not only to humans, but to "all things" - the entire universe, including the natural world. Col. 1:19,20, 23 Eph. 1:9,10 Acts 3:19-21 Implications for proper understanding of God as Redeemer: 1. To know Him as Redeemer means to love that which He loves. 2. To know Him as Redeemer means to participate in His full work of redemption/reconciliation. IV. Focus on Climate Change Global climate change is arguably the most serious environmental threat faced by humankind. It is real, it is largely human-caused, it is already happening, and it is potentially catastrophic. A. Frequently asked questions Is the Earth really warming? Hasn t global warming slowed over the last ten years? How do we know that the warming is not due to natural variation (e.g. solar radiation)? How much of a temperature increase is predicted? Can we afford to curtail climate change? Aren t such efforts economically prohibitive? B. Consequences of climate change Increased frequency of extreme weather events (heat, droughts, floods). Up to 40% of species could face extinction. 2

3 Reduced crop yields (additional million people in Africa will be at risk of hunger and malnutrition in this century). Rising sea levels and coastal flooding - displacement of 200 million people. Increased incidence of disease (e.g., malaria). Increased incidence of armed conflict (estim. 54% increase in Africa by 2030). Poor countries disproportionately affected. C. Evangelical Climate Initiative (2006) ( 1. Human-induced climate change is real. 2. The consequences of climate change will be significant, and will hit the poor the hardest. 3. Christian moral convictions demand our response to the climate change problem. 4. The need to act now is urgent. Governments, businesses, churches, and individuals all have a role to play in addressing climate change starting now. V. Get Real: Lessons for Our Lives A. Appreciate B. Recognize C. Transform Romans 8:

4 References and Resources on Environmental Stewardship Books and Booklets: Brown, E. Our Father s World: Mobilizing the Church to Care for Creation. Doorlight Publications, South Hadley, MA (2006). This highly readable book provides a compelling and practical perspective as to why Christians - both individually and corporately - must view creation care as vital component of our redemptive mission in the world. DeWitt, C., ed. The Environment and the Christian: What Does the New Testament Say About the Environment? Baker Book House Co., Grand Rapids, MI (1991). This short book provides an excellent development of Christian theology pertaining to environmental stewardship. Ball, Jim. Global Warming and the Risen Lord: Christian Discipleship and Climate Change. Evangelical Environmental Network (2010). This book specifically addresses a Christian response to global climate change. Hayoe, K., and A. Farley A Climate for Change: Global Warming Facts for Faith-Based Decisions. FaithWords. This book, co-authored by a climate scientist and a pastor, addresses the reality of climate change and appropriate Christian responses. National Association of Evangelicals Loving the Least of These: Addressing Changing Environment (may order print copies or download for free) Websites on Creation Care: Evangelical Climate Initiative: christiansandclimate.org Care of Creation: careofcreation.org Evangelical Environmental Network: creationcare.org Websites on Global Environmental Change: Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC): The IPCC is the single most authoritative and current source of information on climate change, representing the work of thousands of scientists around the world. IPCC was established by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) to assess scientific, technical and socio- economic information relevant for the understanding of climate change, its potential impacts and options for adaptation and mitigation. National Academies of Science (U.S.A.): The National Academies is comprised of the best and brightest of U.S. scientists; they serve as Advisers to the nation on science, engineering, and medicine. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: EPA's Climate Change Site offers comprehensive information on the issue of climate change in a manner accessible and meaningful to all parts of society - communities, individuals, business, and governments. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration: NOAA s Climate Services website provides data, graphics, documentaries and educational materials. 4

5 Ways You Can Help Stop Global Climate Change 1 At Home Weatherize your home to conserve energy. Check to see if your utility or your local or state government offers an incentive or rebate program to help you weatherize your home. Get a home energy audit. Take advantage of the free home energy audits offered by many utilities. Purchase and install compact fluorescent light bulbs. Look for the Energy Star label when buying new appliances. These items may cost a bit more initially, but the energy savings will pay back the extra investment within a couple of years. Unplug a freezer. One of the quickest ways to reduce your global warming impact is to unplug the extra refrigerator or freezer you rarely use. Buy good wood. When buying wood products, check for labels that indicate the source of the timber. Supporting forests that are managed in a sustainable fashion makes sense for biodiversity, and it may make sense for the climate too. Forests that are well managed are more likely to store carbon effectively because more trees are left standing and carbon-storing soils are less disturbed. Use low-flow faucets in your showers and sinks. Replace toilets with water-saving lavatories. Lower the temperature on your hot water tank to 120 degrees. Plant trees strategically to create shade for your house to reduce the need for air conditioning. Join the Arbor Day Foundation for $10 and they will send you 10 free trees ( Plant plants that require little to no watering. Use a composting lawnmower. Composting yard waste on site reduces the waste stream sent to your community's landfill, and landfills generate a potent gas called "methane" that adds to global warming. Using a push mower instead of a power mower will reduce carbon dioxide emissions. Compost kitchen and yard plant waste. Recycle everything possible. Set it up so it s convenient. Buy food and other products with reusable or recyclable packaging, or reduced packaging. Do not buy goods that are individually packaged, instead buy bulk. Buy products made of recycled content, such as recycled paper for your computer printer. Adjust your thermostat. Turn it down 3 degrees in the winter and up 3 degrees in the summer. Dress warmer or cooler to adapt. Buy a programmable thermostat. Automatically lower your monthly energy bill by giving your heat and air conditioning a break while you are asleep or out. Check furnace filter monthly and replace as needed to maintain furnace efficiency. 1 Adapted from the following websites:

6 Turn your lights, computer, TV, and other electronics off overnight. A standard monitor left on overnight uses enough energy to print 5,300 copies. Drive 15 miles less each week. Shrink your gas costs and your waistline by walking, biking and taking public transportation. Avoid idling your car. Give your engine and the climate a break by turning off your car when you aren't moving for more than a few minutes. Wash clothes in cold or warm, rather than hot, water. Dry clothes on a clothesline instead of in a dryer. Clean the clothes dryer lint trap after each load. Dry faster and save money. Turn off the water while brushing your teeth. Cover your water heater and water pipes with a fire-safe insulator. Use shades and drapes to block out direct sun during the day. Cook outside or with a microwave oven instead of a stove. Save money and improve comfort. Use a whole house fan, room fans or ceiling fans instead of air conditioning. On the Road Select a home located close to your job to reduce your travel distance and time. Organize your life so that it is easier and more desirable to walk, bike, car pool and use public transportation. If you own more than one vehicle, use the less fuel-efficient one only when you can fill it with passengers. Driving a full minivan may be kinder to the environment than two midsize cars. Whenever possible, join a carpool or take mass transit. When a new passenger vehicle is required, purchase the most fuel efficient and least polluting vehicle that truly meets your needs. Consider a hybrid. Keep your car's engine tuned up, the tires properly inflated, and don't carry weight unnecessarily in the car (e.g., using the trunk for storage). All save gas. When running errands, combine trips so that you are not using your car for single-purpose trips. Misc. Support businesses that are reducing their global warming pollution by your investments and purchases. If you are a business leader, encourage your employees to use public transportation and participate in ride-share programs, avoid subsidizing parking, and purchase fuel-efficient business vehicles. Check to see if your city offers discounts for your employees to take public transportation. Invest in making your building and appliances energy efficient. Check to see if your city and/or state offer incentives or rebates for energy efficient upgrades in your workplace. 6