Thinking Anew: It is our duty to take care of God’s creation

Churches in Ireland are invited to pray for the success of COP21, the UN climate change conference which opens in Paris on Monday in another attempt to secure an effective and legally binding agreement on ways to deal with climate change.

There are, of course, deniers who despite clear evidence refuse to accept that there is a problem. But the greater obstacle lies in countries where people are unwilling to accept changes in lifestyle that could help.

Consider this: for centuries the Dead Sea has attracted visitors to float in its famously salty waters and partake of its health benefits. But its days could be numbered, as the water level has dropped drastically due to increased water demands in that region which some say has reduced the inflow from the Jordan. The water level has fallen by 40 metres in the last 60 years, which some say is an environmental catastrophe.

Tomorrow, Advent Sunday, the Gospel reading has warnings about the inevitability of conflict and disaster when humankind is estranged from its Creator and his creation. We can explore, investigate and learn about the universe, but we can never control it, nor can we limit the consequences of wilful abuse or misguided actions.

The reading from St Luke is very strong: “There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, and on the earth distress among nations confused by the roaring of the sea and the waves. People will faint from fear and foreboding of what is coming upon the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken.”

Some will dismiss such language and others will explain it away, but we should listen to the scientists, the prophets of our time in these matters. They point to the ominous changes that global warming has already set in motion affecting the weather, the seas and the very fabric of life. They tell us time is running out.

These concerns present a serious challenge to the Christian, a point underlined by the recent intervention of Pope Francis who in an attempt to influence the Paris conference called for action on climate change in a recent encyclical. But what can we do as individuals? Or must we leave things in the hands of the politicians?

Eco-Congregation Ireland (ECI), an ecumenical organisation representing the main churches, has produced a resource called Climate Change: Can I Make a Difference?, which is designed to encourage Christians throughout Ireland to become more eco-aware and eco-active at church and at home. The resource is free to download from the ECI website and offers advice on how to reduce one's carbon footprint as an individual and as a congregation.

Launching the resource at a climate justice event earlier this year Nobel Peace Prize winner and emeritus professor John Sweeney of NUI Maynooth said: “The resource provides a valuable perspective on the nature and impacts of climate change in an Irish context. On a practical level it highlights the connection between local action and global consequences. It also demonstrates that the problem of climate change can only be tackled if ethical principles are coupled with scientific knowledge to inform and motivate policy-makers. The disconnect between the science and the politics of national interest has bedevilled attempts to tackle our greenhouse gas emissions and the authors of the report are to be congratulated on highlighting these vital linkages.”

Martin Smith, Anglican priest and author, in a comment on tomorrow’s Gospel reading, says: “The choices we make and the actions we take are made in the presence of, and on the side of, the Human One [Jesus Christ] who expresses God’s hope for the world. Now the future of the earth depends on it.” If we love our children and grandchildren, really love them, we will pay attention.