Originally published on Pentecostals & Charismatics for Peace & Justice.

What’s the most pressing political issue Christians should care about today? There are many answers to that question, and different Christians have different priorities, but I want to argue that all Christians should put climate change very high on that list, if not at the top? The climate crisis impacts everything else.

Do you think the economy is important? Climate change will ruin it unless stopped. You think migration is an important issue? Climate change will cause billions of people to flee from their home. Does any other political issue have the top priority for you, like abortion, education or law and order? Climate change might ruin all modern civilizations and all the societal orders connected to them?

As stewards of God’s creation, Christians are called to protect and preserve the earth for future generations. In the face of accelerating global warming, the urgent need for climate action becomes not only a responsibility but a divine mandate. The current state of our planet, marked by rising temperatures, melting ice caps, and increasingly severe weather patterns, underscores a critical moment in human history. It is a moment that demands a collective response grounded in faith, compassion, and justice.

The Biblical Foundation for Environmental Stewardship

The Bible is rich with references that underscore the importance of caring for the environment. Genesis 2:15 teaches us, “The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.” This verse highlights our God-given role as caretakers of the earth, entrusted to us to nurture and protect.

Psalms 24:1 further reminds us, “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.” This psalm beautifully articulates the concept of stewardship, emphasizing that we do not own the earth; rather, we are caretakers of God’s creation.

The Christian Call to Climate Action

Then what about climate change? Surely, the Bible doesn’t talk about that? While human-made climate change wasn’t an issue in pre-industrial times such as that of the Bible, the imperative for climate action is deeply rooted in the Christian call to love our neighbors. In Matthew 22:39, Jesus commands us to “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Climate change disproportionately affects the world’s most vulnerable populations, exacerbating issues of poverty, inequality, and injustice. By taking action against climate change, we are practicing love in its most radical form, seeking justice for those who are most affected by environmental degradation.

The scale of the climate catastrophe we face is underlined by recent scientific findings that paint a sobering picture of the environmental challenges ahead. These discoveries are brought forward by some of the top scientists in the world:

1. Unprecedented Rate of Temperature Rise

Recent studies by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) indicate that the Earth’s average surface temperature has increased faster since 1970 than in any other 50-year period over the last 2,000 years. This rapid warming is primarily due to human activities such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation, leading to increased greenhouse gases in the atmosphere​ (IPCC)​​

2. Accelerated Ice Melt and Rising Sea Levels

Research published in the journal “Nature” reveals that ice sheets in Greenland and Antarctica are melting at a rate five times faster than in the 1990s. This accelerated melt contributes significantly to rising sea levels, threatening coastal communities worldwide with potential displacement of millions of people​ (Nature)​.

3. Increased Frequency and Severity of Natural Disasters

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has documented a significant increase in the frequency and severity of natural disasters, including hurricanes, droughts, and wildfires. These events are becoming more common and devastating, impacting food security, water resources, and human health. The economic costs of these disasters are also staggering, running into billions of dollars annually​ (WMO)

4. Impacts on Human Health

The Lancet Countdown on Health and Climate Change emphasizes the direct and indirect impacts of climate change on human health. Increased heatwaves contribute to deaths from heat stress and cardiovascular diseases, while changing climate patterns exacerbate the spread of infectious diseases. Air pollution, a byproduct of fossil fuel consumption, is also a leading cause of premature death worldwide​ (LCHCC)

Moving Forward with Faith and Action

The story of Noah’s Ark (Genesis 6-9) offers a powerful lesson on obedience, faith, and the importance of acting in the face of impending disaster. Noah’s faith led him to build the ark, saving his family and the animals. Today, we are called to build our “ark” by mitigating the impacts of climate change, safeguarding creation, and ensuring a sustainable future for all.

The call to climate action is a call to embody the teachings of Jesus, to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God (Micah 6:8). It is a call to witness to the conviction that Jesus Christ is relevant to all crises in the world, including the climate crisis.

As members of the Pentecostal and Charismatic community, we are uniquely positioned to lead by example. By incorporating sustainability into our churches, communities, and personal lives, we can make a tangible difference. This includes reducing waste, supporting renewable energy, and advocating for policies that protect the environment.

Let’s move forward with courage, faith, and the knowledge that our actions can contribute to a healthier planet and a brighter future for all!