Camille's editorial: Ecology, a subject for Christians?

Our planet is burning. The subject was widely covered by the media throughout the summer period. The question of the ecological emergency, the conclusions of the last report of the IPCC have indeed occupied a more important place than ever in the news. It must be said that this summer, the fires multiplied at the same rate as the heat waves.

From the start of the school year, Radio France has made historic commitments, recognizing in particular that the existence of the climate crisis is not subject to debate, that it is not an opinion "among others" but an "established scientific fact ". Even Emmanuel Macron warned the French, "it's the end of abundance". Kylian Mbappé can laugh all he wants, it seems like we are entering a new era.

On InfoChrétienne, we have spoken to you about this problem on several occasions, in particular by giving the floor to members of A Rocha. Created by an English pastor in 1983, A Rocha was the first Christian organization committed to the protection of the environment. Today, she continues this mission in France, by raising awareness among Christians on these major issues.

The rock is one of those organizations that believe that the issue of climate change must mobilize Christians. First because God calls us to take care of his creation, then out of love for him and for humanity. Because the climate crisis is deepening social inequalities a little more, and it is the poorest countries that are the first to be affected, although they have generally contributed little to the warming of our planet.

Indeed, according to the IPCC report, 3,5 billion people, or nearly half of the world's population, live in (mostly poor) countries that are highly vulnerable to the effects of climate change. Acting for the planet therefore also means acting for our brothers and sisters who, on the other side of the world, are already bearing the brunt of the catastrophic effects of global warming.

As A Rocha reminds us, and this is also my opinion, the goal is not to live in fear and despair. As Christians, we are in hope, we know that Jesus accompanies each of our steps.

By his death on the cross, Christ saved us and by his resurrection, we have eternal life! If that shouldn't stop us from taking action for the planet (which is our home now), we can live in the promise of a restored home for the future.

That being said, as one of the hottest summers we have ever experienced comes to an end, making the issue of the climate emergency more concrete than ever, perhaps it is time for us Christians to turn to God. and to ask ourselves the following question: what role do we have to play?

Discover by clicking here the concrete tools offered by A Rocha to deal with the climate crisis.

Camille Westphal Perrier

Camille's editorial changes format. Previously it was a daily news item with a spiritual angle. Discover now two new formats: “Les Actus du jour” (a summary of the articles published on the InfoChrétienne website each day) and Camille's editorial which becomes a weekly opinion piece on substantive subjects.