Climate Change

Climate Change and Global Warming have been making the headlines repeatedly in the last couple of weeks - from scientific analysis to economic predictions, the ICount rally in London, and former US vice-president Al Gore becoming an environment advisor to the UK government. It seems that the predictions and evidence of climate change are becoming increasingly irrefutable, and the injustice of its effects is becoming clearer.

Most mainstream scientists agree that the earth’s climate is changing, significantly beyond that solely caused by natural factors.

Our planet is surrounded by a blanket of gases which keeps the surface of the earth warm and able to sustain life. However, this blanket of gases is getting thicker – primarily due to the release of carbon dioxide (CO₂) from the burning of fossil fuels – trapping in heat and causing average global temperatures to rise. The concentrations of CO₂ in the atmosphere appear to have been increasing since the industrial revolution, as does the average global temperature.

We all use energy every day - at home, at work and when we travel - and CO₂ is a by-product of our use of energy. Climate change is therefore a direct result of the way we consume energy.

We are starting to see the damage to the environment and the effect that climate change will have on humans across the globe. People living in poverty within developing countries, who are already struggling for survival, are precisely those who are being hardest hit by climate change. They are the most vulnerable to natural disasters; the most reliant on harvests coming at the right time; and the least able to move from affected regions. And yet, much more fossil fuel is consumed on average per person in 'developed countries' like the UK than in 'developing countries'. The rich are causing climate change, and the poor will take the brunt of its effects. This is the injustice of climate change.

Some of the poorest people in the world have lost their lives or livelihoods as a result of the changing climate already. If we do not take urgent action now many more will suffer, and much of the work already undertaken to try to alleviate world poverty will be undone. (See 'Africa - Up in Smoke 2' report)

“If a man shuts his ears to the cry of the poor, he too will cry out and not be answered.” Proverbs 21:13

“You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love. The entire law is summed up in a single command: ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.’” Galatians 5:13-14

Take a few moments to let God speak to you through these verses.

Ask God to reveal more of his heart of justice. Pray for the leaders of our country, that they would make wise decisions and take action to combat the injustice of climate change. How can I respond personally to this situation?

God has called us to love one another and to be stewards of his creation. It's easy to feel overwhelmed because of the scale of climate change and global poverty. But if we can pray, campaign and make changes to reduce our impact on the environment, we can help stop climate chaos and seek justice for the marginalised.

Lord, let justice flow like a river.

Further detailed information about Climate Change can be found on the St. Matthew's Climate Change webpage, from BBC News and from the Stop Climate Chaos coalition.

Please click on the following links for energy saving ideas and campaigning: Energy Saving Trust, A Rocha, Tearfund and Christian Ecology Link.