Global Warming: A Spiritual Issue?

Back in February of 2006, 86 evangelical ministers called on action to combat global warming. This is a very interesting issue to be, because I am not convinced that the Bible is clear in terms of course of action. I have no doubt in my mind that it is God's intention for us as human beings to be good stewards of the environment and the resources which we have. I also have no doubt in my mind that it is God's will for people to try to provide for themselves using the resources that he has given them. This is not a black and white issue at all.

God created the world for man to enjoy. All that man needs to survive is found in this world. Global warming itself, and climate change is not an issue in regards to morality, but it is in regards to implications of equality. When the people affected most are the poorest in the world, and the ones causing it are the richest countries, there are equality issues at hand. What is the approach we should take then? The United States needs to be more open in regards to combating climate change in very practical ways, including submitting to treaty commitments to fight climate change.

Second, we need to ensure that this could be an economically viable solution. That the wrong people aren't getting hit too hard (developing 3rd world countries that cannot sustain themselves under environmental standards). It is a very touchy issue, and one that Evangelicals and people of faith need to tackle as it continues to become bigger and bigger.