1. Developing A Common Language
- CLIMATE can be described as the average weather around the globe or a statistical description of global weather over a period of months, years, or decades. Climate measurements include temperature, precipitation, wind patterns, storm patterns, and other meteorological phenomena throughout the globe. Climate is naturally variable regardless of human activity. Scientific discussions have focused on the extent to which human activity can affect the climate. CLIMATE CHANGE refers to a significant change in the above statistical measures, such as changes in surface and ocean temperature, precipitation, storm and wind patterns, and other phenomena over a period of decades, centuries, or millennia. In the public debate, the term climate change may be used interchangeably with the theory that human activity contributes to and/or is responsible for global warming and subsequent changes in the climate since the Industrial Revolution. (Climate 101 from The Climate Reality Project)
- GLOBAL WARMING VS. CLIMATE CHANGE: Many people use these two terms interchangeably, but we think it’s important to acknowledge their differences. Global warming is an increase in the Earth’s average surface temperature from human-made greenhouse gas emissions. On the other hand, climate change refers to the long-term changes in the Earth’s climate, or a region on Earth, and includes more than just the average surface temperature. For example, variations in the amount of snow, sea levels, and sea ice can all be consequences of climate change. (The Climate Reality Project)
- WEATHER vs. CLIMATE. It’s all about timing when it comes to differentiating weather and climate. Weather refers to atmospheric conditions in the short term, including changes in temperature, humidity, precipitation, cloudiness, brightness, wind, and visibility. While the weather is always changing, especially over the short term, climate is the average of weather patterns over a longer period of time (usually 30 or more years). So the next time you hear someone question climate change by saying, “You know it’s freezing outside, right?”, you can gladly explain the difference between weather and climate. (The Climate Reality Project)
- We, the authors, have chosen to use the term CLIMATE CRISIS in these classes to emphasize the urgency associated with global warming and climate change. You will see all three terms used interchangeably in the popular press. We are well aware that this crisis goes beyond our climate. Perhaps an ecological crisis is more appropriate, although not as widely used.
2. The Biblical & United Methodist Church Mandate For Care Of The Earth
Video by Climate Scientist Dr. Katharine Hayhoe
Religion has nothing to say about climate change, right?
What does the Bible say? Genesis 2:7-8 (New English Version)
- “God formed a man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life. Thus, man became a living creature. Then God planted a garden. Then God took the man and put him in the garden….to till it and care for it.”
- The human from the humus, a dusty creature blessed with a forever connection with the soil, called to be its caretaker.
What do the United Methodist Social Principles advise?
- Following are quotes from the 2020 social principles regarding creation. These are scheduled to be adopted at the next general conference. We have lifted pertinent portions from COMMUNITY OF ALL CREATION:
- From the Preface
- From Creation in Peril
- From Stewardship of Creation
- We encourage you to read the entire document HERE.:
What do our leaders preach?
- The Council of Bishops of the United Methodist Church have voiced their concern and instructions for us through two letters, one in 2009 and one in 2021.
3. How Can We Talk About The Climate Crisis?
- Be curious. Come from the viewpoint of a learner rather than a knower. Be open to new ideas and willing to question what you believe.
- Be respectful. Treat each person as worthy of your respect, even though they may have a differing opinion or belief.
- Listen with your heart, as well as your head. Take time to hear what the other is saying.
- Suspend your own assumptions and certainties.
- Don’t interrupt (unless you are the facilitator and need to manage the time or the group dynamics to ensure participation.)
- Maintain confidentiality. This helps to create a safe space for all to express their thoughts, feelings and beliefs.
- Find commonalities that you connect you.