July News
More Than Hot Enough
An early-season heat wave affected nearly half the United States from the Great Plains through the Midwest, Great Lakes, Ohio Valley and much of the East Coast June 20-24 and another is now impacting Europe. A Climate Central analysis found that human-caused climate change makes this extreme heat at least three times more likely for around 174 million people — nearly half of the U.S. population. In fact, experts are predicting more extremely hot days throughout the summer.
United Methodist churches, conference camps, colleges and other facilities are located throughout the affected regions, meaning clergy and laity need to stay “weather aware” about summer functions. Beyond taking care in the heat, United Methodists can show concern for the effects of excessive heat on God’s creation, from learning about how heat directly affects your area in a “climate stripes” graphic to a “show your climate stripes” craft project that could start important conversations about climate justice.
Explore this newsletter for more resources and join us on July 16 at the next Movement Café for a deeper discussion on the impacts of extreme heat and how we can respond as people of faith.
Cynthia B. Astle
Editor & Founder