2023, The year for climate action!
For the first time in my life as a climate-faith leader, I don’t feel as if I am walking while leaning forward against a strong wind. A shift has taken place recently that feels as if the strong wind has been reduced to more of a breeze, and at times it is even against my back. More and more people of faith are engaged in climate solutions, and a series of federal legislation recently enacted (Federal Government Climate Initiatives) are making climate solutions more accessible, even to congregations.
While I have been a tree hugger my whole life, it was not until seminary that caring for the earth was connected to my lived-out faith. In an eco-theology course, I came to understand that my call to ministry is to help others make the connection between earth stewardship and faith. In that spirit, we have created a new climate action sheet called Climate and Faith: A Call to Stewardship, Creating Refuge and Bearing Witness. This resource lists seven things you need to know and seven things you need to do on climate as a person of faith. This information can be faith-changing for some. (I wish I had had this resource a long time ago.) While all of our sacred religious texts command that we protect and care for the earth, few of us regularly hear this in our faith communities through sermons or religious education. Be part of the change we need in this world. Download this climate action sheet and share it with others.
Let’s make 2023 the year of climate action. This year begins the seven-year countdown to the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)’s targets of 45% reduction in carbon emissions below 2010 levels by 2030 to maintain a habitable planet. As you know, the number seven is prominent in our sacred texts and traditions – signifying holiness, perfection and completion – offering a profound opportunity for us to elevate visible climate engagement and solutions in our faith communities. Together we can make 2023, the year for climate action!
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About the Author:
Rev. Carol Devine, Blessed Tomorrow Director