2 of 2

But what if our actions are contributing to these "natural disasters" even as we contribute our dollars to relieve their victims? What if the likelihood of extreme weather is increased by the amount of fossil fuels we burn to light and heat our homes and to run our cars? Right now, we don't have many individual choices for change. But collectively, we do.

When it comes to climate change, collective activity is a touchy subject. Many have objected to the Kyoto Protocol to reduce greenhouse gases. And truly, as a writer in the Harvard International Review said this summer, "International coordination is likely to slow and divert truly effective action."

The Harvard International Review writer stressed the importance of national plans that can be tailored to individual economies. The United Kingdom has stepped out in front and set ambitious, but reachable, goals. The European Union is working on its own plan. As individual nations see the importance of taking action, the problems can be addressed without serious economic repercussions and without creating nightmarish international bureaucracies.

In the United States, Senators John McCain and Joseph Lieberman have introduced legislation that would set targets and create a trading system that would allow companies to reduce emissions in a way that is responsive to the market economy. This bill is an excellent starting point for whatever plan the Congress and the administration will eventually develop. Individually, Americans should weigh the advantages of low-emissions technologies such as hybrid vehicles. Business will more quickly respond to consumers than to government regulation. And consumer demand has the power to lower prices.

But time is important. With each passing year, we lose the ability to slow and minimize the effects of global warming. This is our Father's world, and it is filled with our brothers and sisters. Christians should make it clear to governments and businesses that we are willing to adapt our lifestyles and support steps toward changes that protect our environment.

Copyright © 2004 Christianity Today. Click for reprint information.

The Evangelical Environmental Network has more information about its activities on its website.

Other Christian Environmentalism associations include the Interfaith Council for Environmental Stewardship, Evangelicals for Social Action, and Green Cross.

BusinessWeek's "Global Warming: Why Business Is Taking It So Seriously" is available from the magazine's website, with registration.

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has more information on global warming.

BP executive John Brown's speech to the Council on Foreign Relations about global warming is available from the World Business Council for Sustainable Development.

More Christianity Today articles on global warming include:

Tending the Garden | Evangelicals and the environment. (July 07, 2004)

Religious Leaders Rebuke Bush Administration Over Kyoto Protocol | Officials from the National Council of Churches, Presbyterian Church (USA), United Methodist Church, Disciples of Christ, and African Methodist Episcopal Church say U.S. must limit greenhouse gas emissions. (April 6, 2001)

U.S. Churches Join Global Warming Debate | Environmental stewardship is an act of compassion toward the poor, say mainline Protestants and evangelicals, who are joining with other faith groups to reduce the effects of global warming. (October 5, 1998)

More on Christians and creation can be found on our Science & Health page and Books & Culture's Science Pages.

first page |  2 of 2

share this page

October 2004, Vol. 48, No. 10