(originally published in the Chattanooga Times Free Press)
Wacky weather is our new norm. I called my daughter in Maine to tell her about how we went quickly from 80 degrees to below freezing. She said, “weird”, but it didn’t compare to what she’s going through. At first she called it a “spring snowstorm”, but as it got worse, she named it a “snowpocalpse”. She lost power, the trees in her yard were downed and despite having a monster truck, she barely made it home from work.
If there’s any doubt that climate change is a reality, pay attention to a recent headline in the Chattanooga Times Free Press that warned of “Brewing Storms” as alarmingly high ocean temperatures suggest a nasty hurricane season coming up. My friends in Bermuda are paying attention. The Bermuda Royal Gazette reports that waters in the Atlantic’s main hurricane development region had temperatures 65 % hotter at the end of January than the next closest year. Temperatures recorded in March aren’t usually seen until mid-July. So late summer should be a hurricane doozy with rapidly strengthening storms, even close to land.
While scientists don’t link climate change with the growing number of storms, they do link it to the severity of the storms and their rapid intensification. If you’re planning a vacation on the East Coast during hurricane season (June – November), know that scientists are also saying that rising sea levels might induce increased coastal flooding. So much for a happy nap in the sunshine at the beach.
The names of upcoming hurricanes are already designated, and guess what! One will be named after me, “Debby”. I pray that Debby doesn’t become a storm that quickly strengthens causing coastal flooding, or maybe makes a landfall mess. It’s hardly an honor if a destructive disaster has my name.
Remember the 2015 Paris Agreement, committing to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in order to stave off results like these of climate change? Half of the signed on companies have not only ignored that commitment, they’ve increased their production. “These companies have made billions of dollars in profits while denying the problem and delaying and obstructing climate policy. They are spending millions on advertising campaigns about being part of a sustainable solution, all the while continuing to invest in more fossil fuel extraction,” according to the Chair at Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty.
Yes, many non-believers pooh-pooh climate change saying that it’s a natural phenomenon and greenhouse gas emissions are part of left-wing propaganda. It’s difficult to convince them otherwise, but holding the environment as a divine gift to be protected might engage the nay-sayers.
Sewanee (University of the South) and its seminary embrace its Center for Religion and Environment (CRE). A focal point for University-wide initiatives related to religion and the environment. The CRE prepares upcoming generations for environmentally conscientious work and ministry.
Now take a look at Interfaith Power and Light and our Tennessee affiliate (TIPL). Its mission is to spiritually respond to our climate crises by upholding the sacredness of all life, protecting vulnerable communities and caring for the Earth. I met two TIPL leaders at Chattanooga’s Pilgrim Congregational Church – United Church of Christ when it featured Devi Lockwood, author of “1001 Voices on Climate Change”. Devi told stories about how the climate crisis has affected various communities that she’s visited around the world, I couldn’t agree more that true stories impact us in ways that data and poor communication do not.
The audience, ranging from kids to seniors, clearly felt that impact. No doubt they were inspired to advocate for Green strategies. For the Earth, and all our sakes, let’s pray for the entire world to Go Green!
- Arwen Lewis Podcast– Under the Stars - September 2, 2024
- Welcoming Moments of Nature – by Deborah Levine - August 26, 2024
- Can’t We All Stop the Political Violence – by Deborah Levine - August 19, 2024
The time is now. Time to come out of denial. Great article!