Global Warming

I was debating whether or not to actually start a blog last week, but that was finals week. This is Summer break and I think I will start one. So here it goes.....

I was recently encouraged to give a presentation on global warming to my geography class. When I began to look at all of the evidence for and against global warming, I found it pretty convincing that we are speeding up the natural warming cycle of this planet God has entrusted us with. Especially significant is the amount of carbon dioxide wealthy countries are pumping into the atmosphere daily. It's true that the planet was already warming due to normal cyclical changes, but we have sped up that process. However you won't find me standing at the doom and gloom pulpit.

Let me express, as a Christian, what my attitude should probably be.

First of all, nothing is sure, no scientist knows everything. Much research is based on extrapolating from the past so there could be variables we just don't understand yet, that can make things better (or worse) than we expect. Maybe things are going to get better.

Second, I cannot ignore global warming. It is happening, permafrost is melting in the north, Greenland's glacier is beginning to recede more rapidly than expected and will likely continue, causing sea levels to rise approximately 1 meter in the next 100 years and the Arctic Ice is decreasing in both summer and winter. It's seems pretty clear that we're in for changes. Since I can't ignore it, I should do my best to reduce my own co2 output, which is pretty tough considering I drive a passenger van.

Third, it's not about the environment, it's about the people. It often looks like global warming is an 'environmentalist cause', but as important as the environment is, masses of people may suffer from the eventual effects of a rapidly warming planet. I have read that in Alaska people are having to relocate because as the permafrost melts, their towns are sinking and falling apart. If the sea level rises 1 meter in the next 100 years all of the Maldive's will be covered and their populations will have to relocate, Bangladesh, Egypt's Delta as well as many other coastal areas will be inundated and have to relocate.

Fourth, and most importantly, GOD IS IN CONTROL. So many times I fret about the environment, global warming, poverty, wars and persecutions, but really I need to remember that God has this all figured out already. And yes, He will renew the heavens and earth, totally unexploited and brand new. Humanity may yet persist in selfishness, exploitation, war, destruction and every other form of ruination on this planet, but Jesus is going to come back, with His balm for the healing of the nations and this old earth will pass away and He's going to make a new one, where we can fellowship with Him forever.

A friend of mine says "there's no mechanic to fix the earth so we'd better start taking care of it."
I say to him (and he cringes) "Yes we should take care of the earth because we are its stewards, but there is a Mechanic who will not just fix it, but make it all new."

So....think about your co2 emissions, always lend aid to the poor and suffering, no matter what the cause, and "Trust in the Lord with all of your heart."