The current carbon dioxide level in the atmosphere shows an increase of 100 parts per million since 1950, when the previously maintained level began to rise.¹ The global temperature has increased tremendously in the past decade; in India in May 2015, temperatures reached 51°c killing thousands of people and destroying crops. Since the 1980s hurricanes have increased, becoming stronger and much more dangerous, ranging between the 4 and 5 categories. Since 1993, the sea height level has increased 88mm.²

All of these facts demonstrate that the world we live in is in danger of falling apart. Droughts are making it impossible for farmers to grow crops in many areas of the world. Floods have destroyed the homes of families, leaving them vulnerable and homeless. Hurricanes have misplaced family members and have destroyed cities and villages. As the sea level rises, many cities and islands are in danger of being flooded and disappearing into the depths of the seas.

SDG 13 commits to take urgent action to combat climate change and its impact. It is imperative that we do our part in combatting climate change and to reduce unstable weather patterns. However, we must first come to the conclusion that there is a problem! The facts from reputable scientific bodies like NASA state the problem of global warming is right on our heels, gaining speed. After we acknowledge it, then we must do our best to:

• Adapt to the change. Once we understand the weather patterns we are to prepare ourselves for the inclement weather and its effects.
• Aid countries that have a higher percentage of poverty. One of the main reasons why certain countries have a higher level of poverty is due to climate change.
• Develop informed climate change strategies in every country. The United Nations Development Programme has assisted over 100 countries and 20 Small Island Developing States with identifying climate change. This helps to prepare their country to grow better crops, different safety tactics, and most importantly to be aware of their surroundings.³

We must educate our world about climate change and its impact. It affects not only humans but animals too. Acidification has increased causing sea life to die and thereby decreasing the food supply for humans. Snow caps, glaciers and ice sheets continue to shrink, decreasing our fresh water source. Climate change also affects our health. Research states that with the increase of climate change, it has brought on the effects of pollen earlier, causing severe allergies in people, increasing health and medical insurance costs and leaving people even more vulnerable and financially distressed. It is important to tackle this problem, to educate people and make it our responsibility to help stop climate change from overcoming us and destroying our world.

As God's children, it is our responsibility to watch over the land, sea and animals, to take care of His creation and to help sustain it. As Salvationists, we need to take this responsibility seriously. When we declare that we love God and others, we need to show this through our actions. Showing our love to God includes being responsible for the earth that He created.

 

• Psalm 104 begins 'Lord my God, you are very great; you are clothed with splendor and majesty'. The Scripture describes God’s handiwork, His love for His creation and His watchful eye over it all. He feeds the animals and His people, He replenishes the mountains with water, and provides the land with nutrients. God created all living creatures, and He created the Earth.
• According to Genesis 1 and 2, God extended this caretaking to humans. 'Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. ... The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.' It is our responsibility to help watch over it, take care of it, and to love it as God does.
• Read Isaiah 65:17‐25. See how this new world will be God's work and that 'the sound of weeping and of crying will be heard in it no more' ‐ it will not be destroyed.

• Those around the world who are suffering and facing hardship due to environmental changes. May they experience a sense of hope, and be able to see real improvement.
• A sense of responsibility in the hearts of people to care for this planet. From individuals to companies to governments, may we all exercise our influence to do good, making small and profound changes. Governments to be responsible and to make a stronger commitment for a cleaner environment. May the impact of our actions and policies be kept in mind and be a key consideration in this process.
• Christians to understand that we are stewards of God’s creation and to be an example for others. May we comprehend God's vision for our role in taking care of the planet and act upon it.

• Change your energy usage. Small changes can have a big impact. For example, use energy‐saving light bulbs, energy‐efficient appliances and insulate your home. Use 'green' renewable energy sources when possible.
• Read The Salvation Army's International Positional Statement entitled 'Caring for the Environment' (www.salvationarmy.org/isjc/ips).
• Shop locally, travel efficiently and minimise waste. There are lots of hidden environmental costs in the average lifestyle ‐ for instance, in 'air miles' (the distance products have travelled) and the disposal of used electricals. Reduce these as much as you can. See SDG 7 for other ideas.
• Campaign against climate change. Speak with politicians and businesses. Call for leadership to set an example. Consider joining with other like‐minded individuals, perhaps through a charity or organisation.

Tags: SDG13: Climate Action