Response to the IPCC 2022 Report

On Monday, February 28, 2022 the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) released a report on climate impacts, adaptation, and vulnerability. We took away from the report these three points: 

1. Further delay in action will miss the small window to secure a livable future.
2. Climate change is most affecting communities least able to adapt.
3. Urgent adaptation & resilience might prevent widespread suffering.

As noted in the report, “There is a rapidly narrowing window of opportunity to enable climate resilient development. Multiple climate resilient development pathways are still possible…”
We have just one planet and a closing window of time to safeguard ALL of God’s beautiful creation for current and future generations.

We know what is happening, the severity of this crisis, and who is causing it. Experts have continuously told the world We also know how to change it. Immediate action on climate can prevent the worst effects of climate change — but catastrophe will continue to devastate God’s planet and people as a result of the continued inaction from world leaders. We recognize that as we enter into the Lenten season, we are seeing Creation itself being crucified with Christ (Galatians 2:20). 

The ashes of Ash Wednesday could be the remnants of sequoias or oaks, being spread on our foreheads in acknowledgment of our own death-dealing ways. We acknowledge death even as we prepare for the outlandish possibility of restoration. Ellen Davis has written: “Resurrection hope does not mean that things are not as bad as they seem. It does not mean that we may expect to be shielded from the worst effects of our selfishness.” The climate crisis is bad. The effects of this crisis will continue to worsen before they get better. But perhaps, by the grace of God, our best efforts might be redeemed by the resurrection power of Christ. This is an active, living hope. 

In response to the reality of the climate crisis, we are equipping congregations to rightly care for eachother, their neighbors, and the rest of God’s creation. As we enter into the lenten season and Earth Day Sunday, we are providing this resource for churches and their communities to engage in climate resilience. 

We conclude with this prayer:

God, we come to you in grief and despair for the state of your creation.
Lord, have mercy on your planet and people.
Today, we look with an unflinching gaze into the reality of climate catastrophe,
because we are to be a people who do not turn away from suffering and injustice.
Lord, have mercy on your planet and people.
May our lament turn to compassion and our rage turn to action.
Lord, have mercy on your planet and people.
When hope seems foolish and impossible, may we continue to work for the restoration of this world.
Lord, have mercy on your planet and people.
In grief, despair, and lament, we offer this prayer through Jesus Christ, our creator, redeemer, and sustainer.
In hope and faith,
The Creation Justice Ministries Staff
Karyn Bigelow
Avery Davis Lamb
Amanda Robinson
Helen Smith