Previous Post – Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove Interview
With Blog Action Day 2009 upon us, I have been considering what I had to say about climate change. It is a worthy topic with much to be said, but with so many people participating, what could I offer that was any different? This question has been rattling around in my mind for weeks!
Then two things occurred to me. First, it immediately occurred to me that in the context of climate change, it is too easy for us to see it as something that is happening to us. “Change” carries with it the very real consequence of our abuses of the Creation. The danger is that we can allow ourselves to look at change as the enemy. That is what I remembered Gandhi’s oft quoted bit of wisdom:
“Be the change you want to see in the world.”
Rather than framing “climate change” as something to be battled, I realized that we can begin to see changing the climate as the very means of turning the tide. In addition to changing the actual climate, we must change the social, political, religious, etc. climates as well. We cannot settle on defining this issue by what we are opposed to, but rather we must embody the ideal we seek to see come into being.
The second thing that came to mind (as I considered this first point) was a brilliant and moving example of the power to change climates, again both literally and metaphorically. The Academy Award Winning Short Film “The Man Who Planted Trees” is a parable for all time. It takes about 30 mins to watch all 4 parts (shown below), but please make the time. It is well worth it.
Sorry, it seems YouTube has removed the videos. Try to rent it if you can.
[...] Previous Post – Be The (Climate) Change – Blog Action Day 2009 [...]
This is different
Lord Christopher Monkton on the Michael Coren Show October 13, 2009
http://www.ctstv.com/edmonton/player.php?ctsvidID=17081&show=Michael%20Coren%20Show
- BOB
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/8299079.stm
Hey Bob,
Since you didn’t comment on your links, I will presume that they are linked to demonstrate that climate change is not something you believe is a problem. Please feel free to correct me if I am wrong.
First, notice that I talk about climate change and not simply global warming. Most people are making a similar shift because global warming is an over simplification of a much more complex problem. While I reject those who use the issue for purely political ends, I also refuse to deny that we are living damagingly exploitive lives on the planet that violate our vocation as the caretakers of Creation. Whether the world is facing climate change or not (and I believe it is), that does not change the fact that we, as Christians, are commanded to treat Creation far differently than we’ve allowed thus far.
Peace,
Jamie
When I was young there was a period when global cooling was in the media spotlight. Then it was global warming that caught our attention. Now we’ve decided to label it global climate change so that no matter what happens (hot or cold) we can be alarmed about it.
The global climate has never been static it’s always changable and has more to do with what’s happening with the Sun and other natural cycles than what we’re doing on Earth. It’s kind of like being concerned about the changes in the amount of daylight time from season to season.
Yes we have violated our vocation as caretakers of Creation but there are more serious environmental issues that need our attention. Global warming/climate change is a dangerous distraction from some of the real problems out there.
All of the rhetoric flowing out of the global climate change camp (Al Gore) is a bunch of hot air!
Hey Bob,
You are, of course, entitled to your opinion. However, I think your wholesale dismissal of the issue is as dangerous as the wholesale acceptance you critique. The truth lies somewhere in the middle.
Peace,
Jamie
OK
- Climate Change made the typhoons in the south pacific very destructive. Typhoon Ketsana made a lot of mess in Philippines and Vietnam
So what are the facts about climate change? Where does the truth lie?
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/copenhagen-climate-change-confe/6678469/Climategate-University-of-East-Anglia-U-turn-in-climate-change-row.html
NO I’m not a fan but he makes a valid point.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MBkM8A_HutE&feature=player_embedded#
Seems to me that climate change has become a religion of sorts for some people.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j-rFmnhIdes
Why do “scientists” feel the need to fudge the facts on this topic?
What’s really going on? What’s their motivation? Why should we blindly follow?
Again, BOB, I appreciate the fact that the information been shared by some is not entirely accurate. However, the exact same stretching of facts is reflected in the other camp as well. Somewhere in the middle the truth lies. To me, regardless of “climate change”, we are treating the planet abusively and are exploitative towards it. This much change. I have spent years reading and researching from various perspectives. I am convinced. If you are not, no worries.
Peace,
Jamie