Climate change: What does Bible say?
Climate change is a serious topic that people least talk about. People talk more about politics, showbiz, sports, war, Tiktok viral, and fake news than environmental issues. The public is more interested in this issue during a post-disaster period and the presence of strange weather disturbances.
But what is climate change? It refers to long-term shifts in temperature and weather patterns. These shifts may be natural, but since the 1800s, human activities have been the main driver of climate change due to burning fossil fuels (like coal, oil, and gas) which produces heat-trapping gases that affect the atmosphere.
Nature is a good friend but a worse enemy. It is patient and fair. But once abused, it is vindictive and can retaliate without mercy. For centuries people have been destroying the environment by engaging in the mining business, illegal logging or deforestation, and continuous exploitation of fossil fuels. The world has become dependent on these natural resources as the primary energy source, disregarding its long-term adverse effect on the environment. In addition, the huge profit and taxes that the government gets from these businesses are hard to resist.
Many scientists agree that human activity is responsible for global warming. The temperature rise has already changed the climate and brought disastrous consequences such as more frequent and intense weather events, heat waves, droughts, and storms, which cause more floods and wildfire, melting glaciers and Arctic ice, and rising sea levels.
The climate issue has affected every corner of the planet. Hence, the World Health Organization has called it the single biggest health threat facing humanity than the pandemic.
Is there a definite solution against climate change for the people responsible for it? Do we have a reason to look forward to the future with hope?
The Bible tells about the events that we are facing today. Can we expect God to act and intervene in human affairs?
The Bible foretold a time when human actions would bring the world to ruin. Whatever good-intention people make in the fight against climate change, it will not be enough. So God will intervene to protect and save mother Earth. Revelation 11:18 states, that God will destroy those who are destroying the Earth.
It also foretold that fearful sights or terrifying events in Luke 21:11 would occur in our day. Climate change has generated terrifying weather events around the globe. Today, some people suffer from eco-anxiety—a chronic fear of environmental doom.
Further, in the last day’s critical time hard to deal with will be here. Men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, not open to any agreement, betrayers, headstrong. 2 Timothy 3: 1-4.
It is human traits and behaviour that have created the climate crisis. Government and business put economic interest first and betray the interests of future generations. Even if they attempt to work together, they cannot agree on the solutions needed to stop global warming.
The Bible reveals verses about God's commitment to protect the Earth and save mankind.
In Isaiah 45:18, God did not create the Earth simply for anything but formed it to be inhabited. Thus, he will intervene and act. He will not let it be destroyed or become uninhabitable.
In Psalm 37:11, 29- The meek will possess the Earth and they will find exquisite delight in the abundance of peace. The righteous will possess the Earth and they will live forever on it. God promises that humans will live on Earth forever under peaceful conditions.
Finally, as for the wicked, they will be cut off from the Earth. - Proverbs 2:22. God promises to remove those who persist in wickedness, including those who ruin the Earth.
God has promised to restore the environment and make his people the steward of his creation living in harmony with nature. God’s love and promise never fail.