Responding to Small Island Nations Imperiled by Human-Forced Climate Change: An Ethical Imperative for Christians

Abstract

Small island nations are increasingly imperiled by larger nations that are emitting most of the greenhouse gases, forcing changes in the global climate, and causing catastrophic ecological and social problems. Among the most adversely affected people are islanders who are suffering immense health, economic, and cultural injustices that should be addressed at all levels of governance. Leaders of Anglican, Eastern Orthodox, and Roman Catholic denominations have been responding meaningfully to the plight of the small island nations by drawing motivation from their theological traditions for mitigating the problems and calling all Christians to act individually, collectively within their parishes, and collaboratively in the public square.