The Role of Christian Ethics, Religious Leaders, and People of Faith at a Time of Ecological and Climate Crisis

Abstract

In light of new data presented in the Fifth Assessment Report (AR5) issued by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), which emphasizes the increasingly important and urgent need for a global response to the ecological and climate crisis, what role can Christian ethics, religious leaders, and people of faith play in responding to the climate challenge? While understanding scientific data on climate change is incredibly important for interpreting the “signs of the times,” most people approach everyday life in terms of the deeply held values and beliefs—the stories that orient and guide human decision-making. This article notes both the value and limits of scientific literacy, while highlighting the importance of narratives, worldviews, and religion in motivating communities to take action on climate change.