How should a Christian view climate change?

Answer

It is noteworthy how the term “climate change” is supplanting “global warming” as the key phrase of environmentalism. Certain scientists and climatologists assert that human activity, particularly greenhouse gas emissions, is impacting the environment. What remains uncertain is the exact nature of this impact. A few decades ago, the concern was “global cooling,” with warnings of a potential ice age. While most scientists and climatologists today view global warming as the primary risk, uncertainty has led to the broader term “climate change” being utilized as a less specific warning. Essentially, the message of climate change is this: greenhouse gas emissions are harming the environment, and although the exact consequences are unknown, they are anticipated to be negative.

Climatologists, ecologists, geologists, and others all acknowledge that the earth has experienced significant temperature and climate variations in the past. Despite these changes not being attributed to human activity, many of these scientists now believe that human actions are the main driver of current climate change. Why? There appear to be three main reasons.

Firstly, some genuinely believe that greenhouse gas emissions are responsible for climate change after thorough examination of the data. Secondly, some adhere to the climate change ideology with almost religious zeal. Within the environmentalist movement, many are so dedicated to safeguarding “Mother Earth” that they will employ any argument to achieve that objective, regardless of bias. Thirdly, some advocate for the climate change narrative for financial gain. Some of the most ardent supporters of climate change regulations are those who stand to profit the most from “green” laws and technologies. Before embracing the climate change mindset, it is important to acknowledge its origins.At not everyone who promotes climate change is doing so from an informed foundation and pure motives.

How, then, should a Christian view climate change? We should view it skeptically and critically, but at the same time honestly and respectfully. Most importantly, though, Christians should look at climate change biblically. What does the Bible say about climate change? Not much. Likely the closest biblical examples of what could be considered climate change would be the end times disasters prophesied in Revelation 6–18. Yet these prophecies have nothing to do with greenhouse gas emissions; rather, they are the result of the wrath of God, pouring out justice on an increasingly wicked world. Also, a Christian must remember that God is in control and that this world is not our home. God will one day erase this current universe (2 Peter 3:7-12) and replace it with the New Heavens and New Earth (Revelation 21–22). How much effort should be made “saving” a planet that God is eventually going to obliterate and replace with a planet so amazing and wonderful that the current earth pales in comparison?

Is there anything wrong with going green? No, of course not. Is trying to reduce your carbon footprint a good thing? Probably so. Are renewable energy sources worth pursuing? Of course. Are any of these things to be the primary focus of followers of Jesus Christ? Absolutely not! As Christians, our focus should be proclaiming the truth of the gospel, the message that has the power to save souls. Saving the planet is not within our power or responsibility. Climate change may or may not be real, and may or may not be human-caused. What we can know for certain is that God is good and sovereign, and that Planet Earth will be our habitat for as long as God desires it to be. Psalm 46:2-3, “Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the

“The nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; he lifts his voice, the earth melts. The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Come and see what the Lord has done, the desolations he has brought on the earth. He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth. He breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the shields with fire. He says, ‘Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.’ The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.”