The Common Good
February 2010

Earth, Science, Climate Change

by Amy Barger | February 2010

Leading evangelicals and climate scientists met on Capitol Hill in November to urge policymakers to tackle the issue of climate change.

Print
Post a Comment | Write to the Editor

Leading evangelicals and climate scientists met on Capitol Hill in November to urge policymakers to tackle the issue of climate change. The briefing, which opened with a prayer to the “God of the Bible and the genome,” was the latest effort by the Scientists and Evangelicals Initiative, a program of Harvard’s Center for Health and the Global Environment. The alliance offered a model of cooperation on a subject that sometimes stymies politicians. “The threat of climate change has become a weapon in a political and partisan battle in Congress,” Center founder Eric Chivian said at the press briefing. “We are squandering the possibility of our being a responsible leader among nations.”

By fusing facts with faith, the group aims to strengthen the case for swift environmental action. Renowned marine biologist Nancy Knowlton from the Scripps Institution of Oceanography told Sojourners that “the science on climate change is in,” but stressed the need for faith leaders to translate scientific truths into moral imperatives. Deborah Fikes, executive adviser to the World Evangelical Alliance, is one such leader. “It’s not popular for me to be on this side of the issue,” she said at the briefing. “But as a matter of conscience, I don’t have a choice.”
Post a Comment | Write to the Editor
Sojourners relies on the support of readers like you to sustain our message and ministry.

Related Stories

Resources

Like what you're reading? Get Sojourners E-Mail updates!

Sojourners Comment Community Covenant

I will express myself with civility, courtesy, and respect for every member of the Sojourners online community, especially toward those with whom I disagree, even if I feel disrespected by them. (Romans 12:17-21)

I will express my disagreements with other community members' ideas without insulting, mocking, or slandering them personally. (Matthew 5:22)

I will not exaggerate others' beliefs nor make unfounded prejudicial assumptions based on labels, categories, or stereotypes. I will always extend the benefit of the doubt. (Ephesians 4:29)

I will hold others accountable by clicking "report" on comments that violate these principles, based not on what ideas are expressed but on how they're expressed. (2 Thessalonians 3:13-15)

I understand that comments reported as abusive are reviewed by Sojourners staff and are subject to removal. Repeat offenders will be blocked from making further comments. (Proverbs 18:7)