As Worldwide Climate Disasters Increase, UMs Must Mobilize for Action
August 17, 2021 — USA — The latest Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report released this month confirms unequivocally that earth is warming from human-caused climate change resulting in deadly, extreme weather around the globe. The IPCC findings serve as a wakeup call that time is running out for world governments to act and stand by their NDCs (nationally determined contributions) at COP26 in the UK in November.
As United Methodists, we recognize that climate change is one of the most urgent threats to creation as a whole, with disproportionate and worsening impacts on communities of color, indigenous peoples, low-wealth communities, and countries around the world least responsible for the climate crisis. Taking action is a matter of faith for United Methodists around the world who are undertaking disaster response work, creating climate justice infrastructure, and empowering communities through education and advocacy.
Emissions from fossil fuels have caused the planet’s temperature to rise 1.1 degrees Celsius above preindustrial levels and is expected to reach the 1.5 degree Celsius threshold by the end of the decade, and 2 degrees Celsius by the end of the century, unless nations drastically cut their carbon emissions as promised in the Paris Agreement.
Current warming has already resulted in extreme weather causing unprecedented droughts, wildfires, heavy rainfall, flooding, hurricanes, and monsoons that have impacted millions of people and caused mass destruction of habitat and threatening species very survival.
As disciples of Jesus Christ seeking the transformation of the world through the resurrecting power of the Holy Spirit, we are called to the healing of the earth and its many creatures and biosystems, of which human beings are a part. Therefore, the UM Creation Justice Movement urges United Methodists and all Christians to follow the biblical call to protect creation by taking actions to curb the climate crisis including lobbying elected leaders, reducing personal carbon emissions, becoming involved in creation justice, and praying for the healing of earth.
United Methodist congregations are taking action by creating Creation Care ministries that reduce greenhouse gas emissions with energy audits, switching to LED lightbulbs, reducing food waste and composting, and even installing rooftop solar. The UM Creation Justice Movement also encourages members to advocate for renewable energy in State Capitols and the US Congress.
The mission of the UM Creation Justice Movement is to connect and support groups within the United Methodist Church and beyond for the work of creation care, justice, and regeneration. Learn more at umcreationjustice.org.
CONTACT: Cara Fleischer
UM Creation Justice Communications Team
(850) 755-2505
cares4creation@gmail.com
For more information see also:
UMC Creation Advocates Counter Grim Climate Report with Hope, Action (UM Insight)
United Methodists counter grim climate outlook with hope and action (Baptist News Global)
Advocate – and Sing – for the Planet (UM Insight)