Faith for Earth Resource Headers (6).png

Introduction

Introduction from the Faith for Earth Resource

"No major natural system on our planet is unchanged by human actions. Even as human choices dominate, simplify, and weaken our planet’s natural systems, we are accelerating our demands on them, as well as..." Read More & Listen to Trish Brownlee

This section focuses on the impact climate change is having on various aspects of Earth's ecosystem. As you go through this section -- and the resource as a whole -- think about ways climate change is impacting your own community and context, as well as how the choices you - and your community - make, influence climate change on a global scale.

The Earth Charter

Introduction to the Earth Charter

"The mission of the United Nations Environment Programme and the Parliament of the World’s Religions align with the principles and goals articulated in The Earth Charter, an international declaration of fundamental values"...Read More & Listen to Carlos Bello Read The Earth Charter

Climate Change's Impact on the Earth - Exploring the Resource

FFE Thumbnail-4.JPG The linked text below leads to parts of the Faith for Earth resource that explore the impact climate change is having on various aspect of the Earth. Explore at least two of the sections below before answering the questions at the end of this section.

Land & Terrestrial Ecosystems
Oceans
Water
Cryosphere
Biodiversity
Atmosphere
People

Getting a Sounding: Voices from Around the World

Iyad Abumoghli - The planetary crisis, our environmental responsibilities, our hopes for the youth, and religious multilateralism

Vandana Shiva - Breaking the Grip on Farmers and Ensuring a Future through Seeds

Karenna Gore - Planetary Boundaries, Confronting Consumerism, And Facing An Addiction

Questions for Classroom & Community

What are 2-3 things you learned that you didn't know before? How has the knowledge you've gained in this section changed your perspective on climate change?
What does it mean for each of the Earth Charter's 16 principles to be interconnected and why is having this relational view important?
Do you see the Earth Charter's principles in play within your community? If not, what are some examples of how they could be applied?
What could be done differently in your context to mitigate and perhaps even reverse the effects and consequences of climate change, both locally and globally? What role can you yourself play?

Additional Resources

Interested in learning more? Explore the additional resources below: (from Religica Response to a Changing Climate)

World Religions Overview Essay (with Bibliography) Yale Forum on Religion and Ecology
Climate National Geographic
Everything You Ever Wanted to Know about Earth's Past Climates Smithsonian
How Climate Change is Affecting our Lives Climate Reality Project
What is Climate Change? BBC
What's the Difference Between Weather and Climate? National Centers for Environmental Information -- NOAA
Perfect Harmony: The Gaia Theory The Guardian
Is The Earth Alive? That Depends On Your Definition Of Life NPR