Finding Harmony Between Science, Faith, and Climate Action
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Chapter 1: The Reality of Climate Change
Recently, I had the opportunity to hike in Colorado, witnessing the aftermath of last October's East Troublesome Fire. Just days ago, I learned from friends in Denver that the air quality has become so poor that it's unsafe to venture outside — and the fires causing this issue aren’t even nearby. The recent release of the IPCC's comprehensive report on climate change has intensified my concerns. After reviewing the detailed 42-page summary and a further condensed version by Henry Fountain at the New York Times, I found some of the findings quite disheartening.
One of the most alarming conclusions is that, regardless of our efforts, even if we were to halt all greenhouse gas emissions immediately, we are facing at least three decades of escalating climate challenges: increased flooding, heat waves, and wildfires. One might wish to dismiss this analysis as overly pessimistic, but the report emphasizes that climate modeling has become increasingly precise. Given my age and current life expectancy, it seems that I will experience an increasingly hostile environment for the existing life forms on this planet.
I reside in a region that may not suffer as severely as others. The Great Lakes offer significant protection from many adverse effects, providing a stable source of fresh water for the foreseeable future. However, I hope this does not lead to complacency among my neighbors regarding the necessary actions we must take. The report indicates that there is still a narrow opportunity for humanity to avert the worst-case scenarios. While we are destined to surpass a 1.5-degree Celsius rise in average temperature, inaction could result in an increase of 3 to even 6 degrees by the century's end, which would be catastrophic for life as we know it. If we act decisively and promptly, we may still be able to limit the rise to 1.5 degrees, and potentially see that number decrease after 2050.
Being part of the wider Christian community, I notice that we often struggle to align with scientific perspectives: we have faced challenges in accepting COVID vaccines, reconciling evolution with our beliefs, and confronting climate change, which clashes with certain apocalyptic narratives we hold. The tension between science and religion has been a part of American culture for centuries, dating back to the Scopes Trial, and has often manifested as a struggle for loyalty among different factions. Yet, for the most part, these ideological battles remain somewhat abstract. (Of course, notable exceptions like Giordano Bruno, and even instances like my own job loss over these issues, highlight the real stakes involved, but thankfully, such extreme cases are rare).
While our historical beliefs about evolution may remain largely theoretical, the realities of the present (like COVID) and the future (climate change) require urgent attention. Our survival hinges on accurately understanding and responding to these challenges. Although I do not believe that science holds all the answers, ignoring the implications of the IPCC report would be reckless. We must seek common ground between these communities and collaborate on solutions. This reflection has led me to consider whether Christians can unite with scientific perspectives in addressing climate change.
Section 1.1: Bridging the Divide
Many conservative Christians express beliefs such as, “This world is not our home,” or, “God has given us this world to use as we please.” Such views imply that conditions on Earth are temporary and that our climate efforts may ultimately be futile. Ironically, science aligns with this sentiment: while our sun has billions of years left, it will eventually expand beyond our orbit and extinguish, rendering life in our solar system impossible. Perhaps by that time, we might develop technology to reach another solar system, but that too would only delay the inevitable.
Thus, I propose that both scientific and religious communities recognize the transient nature of our actions here and now. This acknowledgment could ease the tension between them and help establish a consensus that even temporary measures are valuable and necessary.
Subsection 1.1.1: Time Perspectives
Some may argue that the concept of “temporary” varies significantly between science and religion. For scientists, billions of years is an almost unfathomable span, while certain interpretations of Christianity suggest that Jesus Christ's return is imminent, allowing believers to escape to Heaven at any moment. Can these differing perspectives be reconciled to foster collaborative climate action today?
The scientific timeline for the universe's end is dauntingly distant but still finite. In contrast, the prospect of an uninhabitable Earth is alarmingly imminent. Even in a scenario where we feel powerless to avert disaster, we ought to strive to make life as bearable as possible.
Section 1.2: A Call for Theological Reflection
On the theological front, I encourage Christians who regard the Bible as an authority to engage with it more deeply. The return of Christ is not depicted as a complete rupture from our current existence, but rather as a means to establish Heaven on Earth. This suggests a need for greater reflection on the continuity between our current reality and what we envision as eternal.
Moreover, Christians have been anticipating the imminent end of the world for two millennia now. Perhaps it is time to reconsider the efficacy of this interpretation and acknowledge that we have a significant role to play in the foreseeable future. It is only those on the fringe who abandon plans for their lives on Earth. Believing that God will provide does not necessitate forgoing our responsibilities; we must act within the framework of the world God has entrusted to us.
Chapter 2: Taking Action Now
We will not resolve all issues for eternity — such resolutions are the domain of divine intervention. However, we must embrace the imperative to do what we can, in the present, to enhance life on this planet for however long we remain here.
This realization should galvanize us to act decisively and courageously in the face of climate change.
The first video, "Examining the Religious and Spiritual Implications of Climate Change," delves into how faith communities can engage with the pressing issues of climate change and its spiritual dimensions.
The second video, "Climate Change: Faith and Science - Katharine Hayhoe," presents a compelling conversation on how faith and scientific understanding can intersect to create a sustainable future.