“If we know how to address the climate crisis, why do we fail to act?” is not a scientific question, but an ethical one. But it might be the key to unlocking the potential of humankind to finally address this multigenerational scientific challenge.
Texas Impact announces a new study resource for people of faith who want to go deeper in conversation with others about climate change. “Changing by Choice” is a series of five videos with prepared discussion guides to guide a conversation about climate change as a matter of faith.
In preparation for this year’s UN Climate Negotiations (called Conference of the Parties, or COP), the presidency tried something new. Led by Brazil’s Minister of the Environment, Marina Silva, they announced a global series of conversations about the ethics of climate change. These conversations were organized around five questions. This project became known as the Global Ethical Stocktake. The questions posed by the Global Ethical Stocktake all consider the central question “If we know what we need to do to fight climate change, why do we fail to do it?”
This complementary approach, asking not just the “how” of climate change, but also the “why,” led to a more productive and inclusive dialogue at COP30 in Belém, Brazil.
The question of why we fail to do better even when we know better is a timeless question for our spiritual and religious traditions. Now you can join the global conversation about the moral and ethical dimensions of climate change. We hope that incorporating these questions into your Sunday school or small group discussion will help shape your understanding of climate change and motivate you for action on this important justice issue.
Now is the perfect time to start this conversation with others in your faith community—and we’ve designed “Changing by Choice” to help you get the conversation started.
The study includes five lessons, each one focused on one of the Global Ethical Stocktake questions. Each lesson includes a video featuring faith leaders and experts on climate diplomacy. Scripture, faith statements, news articles, and other resources are provided to guide your discussion. The study is available for free on the Texas Impact website. Please reach out to Rev. Dr. Becca Edwards if you need additional information.