“If we believe that God created this incredible universe we live in, then what is science other than trying to figure out what God was thinking when he put it all together?” – Katherine Hayhoe
I’ve written before about the seeming conflict between science and religion, often quoting Rabbi Sacks, the former chief rabbi of Great Britain. He is a member of the clergy writing in support of science. Katherine Hayhoe is different in that she is a climate scientist who is a professor of political science and director of the Climate Science at Texas Tech, and a devout evangelical Christian who writes and speaks in support of the fight against climate change. She writes that she “doesn’t believe in climate change… because it’s not a religion,” but, instead, “looks at the data and facts, and they are clear that the climate is changing, humans are responsible…”
She tells the story that she grew up with a dad who was a science teacher and a teacher at her church. He taught her that if faith and science are at odds it’s likely we don’t fully understand one or the other. Because of her evangelical credentials she’s been invited to talk at such unlikely places as Oral Roberts University. Unlike what’s in vogue in many places today, she cites the facts and data and makes the case using them. She states the case that the Bible instructs believers to be good stewards of the earth. This combination of science and religion, a person with credentials in both, has made her quite effective. Her advice about what to do about climate change?Talk about it.
When talking to those who refuse to buy the science arguments, don’t clam up. Talk about solutions, such as the 20 US cities like St Petersburg, Florida, in the US going renewable to save money. Mention Fort Hood Texas, the largest Army base, installing wind and solar to save taxpayers $168 million. There are many other examples like these that may ese peoples fear about the cost, She believes that many people’s aversion to the science of climate change may be a fear of the consequences. By coming the other way, from the solutions, you can ease those fears and make them more open to the science.
New York State Senate and Assembly just passed the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CCPA), a progressive climate-equality policy. It wasn’t what everyone wanted, but it’s a lot more than what we had It mandates a shift to renewable energy and work on equality to ensure that economically disadvantaged communities will not be left behind. We need to encourage the Governor to sign it.
by Joe Morris
Last Updated on 08/04/2019 by Marc Slonim