How Christians Can Take Action on Climate Change

As the climate crisis intensifies, Christians find themselves facing a moral challenge rooted in both scripture and compassion. The effects of climate change, from rising sea levels to more intense natural disasters, disproportionately affect the world's most vulnerable populations. Yet, despite this, many within the Christian community remain hesitant to engage with the issue, often due to theological debates or misconceptions about its causes.

The reality is clear: extreme weather events, such as hurricanes and droughts, are displacing over 20 million people annually. Meanwhile, the poorest communities are grappling with reduced access to clean water, diminished food security, and deteriorating health conditions caused by pollution. For instance, regions like East Africa are enduring prolonged droughts, putting millions at risk of starvation, while rising sea levels threaten to displace hundreds of millions globally in the coming decades.

For Christians, this isn't just an environmental issue it’s a humanitarian one. The Bible calls believers to be stewards of God’s creation. In Genesis 2:15, we are instructed to "work and take care of" the earth, a responsibility that goes beyond mere use and extends to protection and restoration. As the National Association of Evangelicals emphasizes, addressing climate change is an essential part of loving our neighbors, especially the poor, who bear the brunt of environmental degradation.

The disconnect between the wealthier regions of the world and the more climate-vulnerable areas can no longer be ignored. In many parts of the Global South Africa, Asia, and Latin America climate change is not theoretical but a daily reality. For Christians in these regions, taking action is a natural extension of their faith. However, in places like the United States, where a large portion of the evangelical population remains skeptical, there is a need for a shift in perspective.

So, what can Christians do? First, we must adopt an attitude of stewardship over dominion, recognizing that dominion is not about exploitation but careful, responsible management of the earth's resources. Churches and faith-based organizations have a unique role to play as they are already deeply embedded in communities that can lead change. Whether through reducing carbon footprints, advocating for policy changes, or supporting sustainable development in vulnerable regions, Christians are called to be agents of restoration.

Moreover, the biblical mandate to love "the least of these" (Matthew 25:40) compels believers to act. The most profound way we can demonstrate love to those suffering from the effects of climate change is by taking proactive steps to mitigate its impact. This might mean advocating for better environmental policies, supporting renewable energy, or investing in global relief efforts that help climate-impacted communities adapt and recover.

As Christians, we are called to look beyond our immediate concerns and care for God’s creation as an act of worship. As Romans 8:21 reminds us, creation itself longs for liberation from decay. By acting now, we can align ourselves with God’s redemptive plan for the world, helping to restore both the physical environment and the lives of those it sustains.

Let’s work together as a community of faith, not with fear of the future but with the hope and confidence that God is working through us to bring about restoration. Share this message with others or consider subscribing to our newsletter for more insights on how faith intersects with our call to protect the earth.