Jesus and climate change IX

This problem is deeper than simply ignorance, and much older than the industrial revolution.

But that’s not all. Not only is the problem one to which we’ve all contributed in different ways at various times individually and collectively, through what we’ve done and haven’t done, what we’ve said or thought or even hoped for, in short, not only are we guilty, we’re also trapped in a phenomenon far bigger than any of us, and that can be terrifying.

And so, I suspect the deepest and most common response for many people in the face of climate crisis is fear. We can feel helpless in the face of forces that appear beyond our understanding, let alone control. If we take seriously some of the possible predicted scenarios, the future can seem bleak and hopeless.

We might fear for our children: will they inherit a world as rich and diverse as the one we have enjoyed? Will they inherit problems larger and more pressing than those we already face? We might fear for international order: will dwindling water supplies spark more conflict? Will the powerful nations continue to demand special privileges while making the weaker ones bear the costs? But perhaps most of all, we might fear for ourselves.

In the face of climate change, are there things you fear?
Series: I; II; III; IV; V; VI; VII; VIII; IX; IX(b); X; XI; XII; XIII; XIV; XV.