Faith and Climate News: Top Stories for the Week of Sept 23 – 29
Every Friday, Blessed Tomorrow releases the top faith and climate stories from the previous week. This roundup highlights achievements in climate solutions and effective climate communications from and for people of faith. We feature helpful tips and strategies for you to implement in your faith community and stories to inspire everyone.
We’ll also let you know about upcoming events in the faith and climate community. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter to catch the news as it happens.
A Word to the Church from the Episcopal Church’s House of Bishops
The Episcopal Church House of Bishops says: “God calls us to listen to each other with increased attention. It is only with unstopped ears and open eyes that our hearts and lives will be changed. It is through the reconciling love of God in Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit that we and the earth itself will be healed.” Read the bishops’ letter on the Blessed Tomorrow blog.
Ways We Can Combat Climate Change
According to the United Methodist Church, combating climate change is a job for the church. UMC gives recommendations for reducing carbon emissions and taking climate action. In a recent article, UMC stated: “As United Methodists, we heed the call to do all in our power to care for planet Earth.” Read the article now on the Blessed Tomorrow blog.
Preparing for Extreme Weather to Come
This is the Year of Climate Change and Health, a 12-month American Public Health Association-led initiative with monthly themes meant to raise awareness of and mobilize action on the health impacts of climate change. In September, APHA focuses on Extreme Weather. Climate for Health Program Director Leyla McCurdy was recently asked to contribute a blog post on the topic to APHA’s Public Health Newswire. Below is her contribution. Continue reading on ecoAmerica’s Climate for Health blog.
What’s Wrong with the Term ‘Climate Refugee?’
According to the United Nations, more than 21 million people are displaced as a result of weather conditions. However, international laws reveal that not all of these individuals can be considered “climate refugees.” Learn about the legal ramifications of this widely-used term in this article and podcast from Public Radio International.
God ‘Making All Things New’ Doesn’t Mean Christians Can Ignore the Environment
We can count on God to aid us in restoring the planet, but we must do the work. Our partner Blessed Earth recently published an article, explaining how Christians can find common ground to act on climate.
Does Climate Change Make Hurricanes Worse?
There has been plenty of research surrounding the idea that climate change intensifies storms, including hurricanes. Two news publications recently created polls to see how many people believe that climate change makes hurricanes worse. Here are the poll results.