Guardians of the Earth
by Frank Schaefer
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In our own lives, we reconnect with nature when we take a trip to the Rocky
Mountains or the Caribbean or perhaps ski down a magnificent slope. The pristine
wonder of nature still inspires us. Yet we need not go far. A trip to the zoo
with a small child or a walk through a botanic garden can link us to the heaven
and earth that Genesis says God created.
We are guardians of the earth. "Shomrei Adamah" in Hebrew. It isn't a new job.
It was first given to Adam in the Garden of Eden by God. Just as God created the
first human beings, God placed them in the Garden "to till and to tend it."
It's a divine job...
Read Genesis 1:26 (The Message):
God spoke: "Let us make human
beings in our image, make them reflecting our nature, so they can be responsible
for the fish in the sea, the birds in the air, the cattle, and, yes, Earth
itself, and every animal that moves on the face of Earth."
We are charged with that
divine role of guarding and caring for the world. According to one early Midrash,
God said to Adam, "Look at My works, how beautiful and praiseworthy they are!
Everything that I created, I created for you. Take care that you do not damage
and destroy my world, for if you damage it, there is no one to repair it
afterwards!"
We can't overemphasize the importance of human responsibility to the natural
world. And let's be honest, we've done a pretty crummy job. As technology has
advanced, we have exploited the earth and its precious resources; we have
treated the planet much like a pinata. The world is aching and spinning out of
whack. We recently became aware of that fact once again when the news reported
about the devastation hurricane Dorian left behind on the Bahamas.
And, yes, we have started to make some changes. Basic environmentalism is
something that has become part of most everyone's life in the industrialized
world. We recycle, we return printer cartridges, perhaps we turn off lights as
we leave a room, and maybe our next car will be electric?
We do those things because they feel right, are cool, or because they save us
money, or simply because they've been drilled into us. Everywhere we look, big
companies are making environmentalism a part of their standard operating
procedure. Hotels now give you the option of not replacing your towels and
sheets every day. Environmentalism has become very trendy.
But as much as environmentalism, "going green," is a part of life, we don't
fully engage. Our commitment is inconsistent, too little, too late. We don't do
enough. We recycle the newspaper, but not the junk mail. We do cans, but not
bottles.
According to the Midrash there will be no one to repair the earth if we destroy
it. And yet we still don't make the active efforts to respond to what is already
a worldwide crisis.
One person can't make a real difference, we think. And yet we know that's not
true in other issues of social justice. We all make an impact on the world
individually.
By changing our habits, one person can help be a guardian of the earth. "It is
not our responsibility to complete the work, but neither are we free to ignore
our responsibilities.
By engaging, we move towards our role as a guardian of the earth. We must model
the behavior of creating a greener environment and guarding our precious planet.
From choices on light bulbs to cleaning products, fair trade coffee to
appliances, planting a garden, there is so much we can explore and consider.
On your way out, you'll be getting a sheet that lists a few ideas for you and
your family to incorporate into your lives.
We are guardians of the present earth and caretakers of her future. As we damage
and destroy God's world today, there is no one to repair it. It may take
commitment, creativity, and personal change, but let's embrace what we can do to
care for the only home we have. Amen.
Handout:
Climate Change 101
What causes climate change?
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Carbon dioxide traps heat in the atmosphere, causing
temperatures to rise.
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For the past 800,000 years, atmospheric CO2 been less than
300 ppm
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In the past 50 years, atmospheric CO2 has increased to 400
ppm
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Very rapid CO2 increase destabilizes system
How is climate change already affecting the earth?
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16 of the 17 hottest years ever have occurred since 2000
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The ocean is warming, rising and becoming more acidic
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Glaciers, sea ice and snow-packs are melting
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Hurricanes, droughts, fires and winter storms are getting
worse
How can I reduce my personal carbon footprint?
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Eat more plants, less meat, and reduce food waste
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Rethink your commute
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Choose a green energy provider (if you have that option)
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Buy less stuff
What political actions can help fight climate change?
Stop construction of fossil fuel
infrastructure, such as pipelines.
