Framework for Climate Action that Supports Care of Self, Community, and Planet
Many people of faith are concerned about our rapidly accelerating climate crisis—especially young people. Many, however, experience paralysis when it comes to taking action. They’ve never experienced climate work in a faith community. They may also be a bit intimidated by the science or the scope of the crisis we are facing. Esfera Faith is dedicated to working with faithful individuals and local communities of faith who feel compelled to take action but are unsure about how to begin.
This chart represents a framework for thinking about climate change but also a roadmap for taking action. The triangle is the strongest of all shapes. Any weight put on it is equally distributed to all three sides. That is the support structure we need as we engage in the difficult but rewarding arena of climate change action.
First is SPIRIT. Climate change work is not just about politics and economics. We must expand our faith to include the presence of Spirit in all of creation, not just in humanity. In doing so, our climate change work becomes not just a good deed or charitable effort but a deeply held spiritual practice that engages in the healing of all life on this planet. It reflects our origins when, in Genesis 2, “the Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it” (verse 15). Social justice work of all types can be exhausting and full of discouragement. Through it all, we need spiritual nourishment and connection to remain strong, retain our sense of compassion, and encourage others.
Second is PERSONAL. This begins with your personal education on climate change—books, documentaries, podcasts, seminars, listening to experts. By educating yourself, you will discover 1) what are the most scientifically effective methods for reducing carbon emissions, and 2) what are the largest sources of carbon emissions in your community. Climate change work in New Orleans will look different than climate change work in Phoenix. You will also become more motivated to make changes in your life than if you were only ticking off items on a to-do list. But let’s be honest, while there are good reasons to reduce your own personal carbon emissions (for our sense of integrity, reducing climate anxiety, and being an example to others), please understand that merely reducing your own emissions makes virtually zero impact on our planet’s carbon emissions. That comes in the third point.
Third is COMMUNITY. This is where we make a difference. Reducing the earth’s carbon emissions will only happen through systemic, societal, and legislative change. This will require direct action, protests, petitions, divestment of pensions and investments from fossil fuels, and pressuring lawmakers to say “no” to fossil fuel money and instead go all-in on green energy. Of course, we also need to vote out the ones who refuse. Real change only happens by addressing our planet’s addiction to lighting fossil fuels on fire. At some point, this work will also include caring for climate refugees and participating in food and soil production for your community—things well suited for church work.
This entire triangle must be driven by both SCIENCE and COMMUNITY NEED. What are the most scientifically effective methods for reducing carbon emissions? And what are the greatest climate needs of your community?
It also leads to three important actions. By working in the SPIRIT and on your PERSONAL impact, you 1) reduce your level of climate anxiety. By working both on your PERSONAL and COMMUNITY needs, you 2) provide an example to others and create community buy-in. By working as a COMMUNITY and in the SPIRIT, you 3) invest in the healing journey of your community and of the planet overall.
“We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children.”
“It’s not that the world hasn’t had more carbon dioxide, it’s not that the world hasn’t been warmer. The problem is the speed at which things are changing. We are inducing a sixth mass extinction event kind of by accident and we don’t want to be the ‘extinctee’.”
