For once, I would love to write an article on climate change with only good news.
My article would say that all the countries of the world are dramatically reducing their carbon emissions and on the path to net-zero carbon emissions (meaning they offset all the carbon they do produce). It would say that the countries most responsible for climate change are contributing large amounts of money to help developing nations, those who contributed the least to climate change but are suffering the most.
My good news article would announce that environmental racism by corporations, government entities or citizens is a federal crime punishable by prison and huge fines. It would explain that industry-funded restoration of “Cancer Alley,” where petrochemical companies poisoned their neighbors along the Mississippi River in Louisiana for decades, is turning it into the longest linear park of trees, birds and frolicking children in the world. One by one, all former fossil fuel pipeline routes are turning into greenways.
I would write that all island nations and other climate refugees are welcomed with open arms to their new home countries, including America. Long lines, separation of families, imprisonment of children and complicated paperwork are no longer required. Settlement assistance and apologies for our complicity in destroying their communities are given to all climate refugees.
My good news article would explain how petroleum companies have all agreed to phase out their production of fossil fuels and switch their businesses to renewable energy in advance of the 2050 goal set by the Paris Agreement. Exxon Mobil apologized to all of humanity for its deceptions and insistence on burning fossil fuels long after it knew that its emissions were causing an existential threat to the world. It also started writing checks to help alleviate all the suffering it is causing and has housing projects underway for climate refugees in 50 countries.
My good news article would also document how elected officials who deny the existence of climate change, downplay the harm it is causing or refuse to fund efforts to address it and its impacts, are ostracized and not getting reelected. Additionally, it would explain how a new federal law forbids any political campaign from receiving contributions from the fossil fuel industry and federal fossil fuel subsidies no longer exist. The billions of former subsidy dollars now help the “least of these” adapt to the climate crisis.
Lastly, my good news article would chart how people of faith are being praised for their campaigns to right the injustice of climate change on the poor and people of color.
Looking specifically at the PC(USA), my good news article would explain how the denomination divested all its fossil fuel holdings and reinvested in renewable energy. I would write about how every Presbyterian Institution, Synod and Presbytery are carbon neutral, as are most churches; how Churches help their members and “the least of these” switch to renewable energy; how solar panels are common on church roofs and members drive electric cars and trucks; how ministers preach creation theology and congregations are in the streets leading the calls for climate action in their communities.
This is what I wish I could write about climate change.
Instead, I woke up recently to hear that the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Sixth Climate Change Assessment says it is now “code red for humanity.”
We have pushed the planet too far and there is no doubt, no doubt, that humans are causing climate change. The only question is whether the world can muster the will to do something about it.
It is too late for us to undo most of the current damage. The oceans will rise. Extreme weather will continue. Fires will rage. Climate refugees will increase. People of color will be hurt first and worst. Heat waves will be the norm. Climate chaos will reign, and needless deaths will happen.
But it is not too late to stop it from getting worse. And we have a very narrow window of time to do this. With heroic actions we can keep this planet from becoming unlivable, but we must act now and act quickly.
This is our reality: debating, downplaying or half measures are no longer acceptable if we expect to survive.
And as God’s people, as those called to care about justice and embody hope, the Presbyterian Church must acknowledge the demands of climate change. We need to acknowledge and address in prayers and deeds that God’s paradise is turning to hell before our eyes.
The time for debate and slow deliberation is over. It is time to do what God requires of us — to act justly, love mercy and walk humbly (Micah 6:8). Does this not translate into a bold call to fight for climate justice?
As Deuteronomy 30:19-20 says, “…I have set before you, life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live and that you may love the Lord your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him.” God has given us a choice. We must choose life. We must choose love. We must choose justice. And that means acting.
Pam McVety is a retired scientist, stewardship of creation enabler for the Florida Presbytery, a climate justice advocate and grandmother. She lives in Tallahassee, Florida.
