"And the LORD God took the man, and put him
into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it."
(Genesis 2, 15)
But how do we as humans deal with this assignment?
The current climate change, global warming assuming to bigger and bigger proportions, is manmade. It has already been proved that our high production of carbon dioxide iniated climate change and continues to promote it. We can not continue to deny our complicity.
But it is also a chance. There is still enough time left to slow the global warming. A change of our society's attitude is needed for this and this is a do-it-yourself project for all of us. Some would like to ignore climate change as long as it does not affect themselves: "Climate fugitives? Migration has always been there!" Others like to wallow in self-pity: "The weather has never been so bad before!"
But we have a choice – and we have the possibility to act!
Because of the long lasting environmental pollution by the industrial nations which caused worldwide effects we do not only bear responsibility for our direct surroundings but also for the impact on other countries. The so-called "third-world countries" in particular already suffer from changes in their living spaces. Greenpeace currently estimates the number of climate fugitives to be 20 millions.
If the warming continues to increase continuously the way it did until now up to a fourth of all animal species could be threatened to become extinct until 2050, Professor Rahmstorf from the Potsdam Institute for Climate Effects Research estimates. It is likely that life-threatening catastrophes such as tsunamis, tornados and floods will continue to increase in number.
Facing such numbers, it is easy to loose courage and a question comes to one's mind: "Can I as a single person change things anyway?" The answer is a clear yes! Everybody can contribute to the task of changing society's attitude. Everybody can take a critical glance at his own (consuming) behaviour and change it, e.g. by saving energy or getting involved somewhere (see link list). And: You are not alone! Environmental organisations, churches and e.g. the green party in Germany have been making a stand for environmentalism for years. Everybody can get involved there and build networks with other people.
If a change of mind occurs in society it is an opportunity for us to form a community based on charity, responsibility and fairness. God has committed his creation to us and it is our responsibility to preserve it.
Julia