Why do you care about action on climate change?

About ten years ago I started giving blood again after a long break.  So, I was interested when the Red Cross began a campaign recently asking donors why they donate. My donor centre at Rosehill had a whiteboard where people could write their reason. There were lots of different answers, from the free snacks, to personal experience of needing blood or plasma, to the chance to do good to people in need.

I was struck by the reason circled in the photo- “Being a part of a healthy society that looks after each other.”  So were several others judging by the arrows pointing to it.

Part of my role in the Uniting Advocacy team is to work with Uniting Church congregations and members on the issue of global warming. The donor whiteboard made me think: “Why am I concerned about action on climate change?”

Like those blood donors I can think of a few reasons. As a Christian I believe I have a responsibility to care for others, especially those who are poor or otherwise vulnerable, as well as respect the life of other creatures and the planet itself.  I am interested in health, so the impacts of fossil air pollution on respiratory, heart and lung disease troubles me, as well as the injury and death that can result from extreme weather, like heatwaves, fires, floods and storms. Cost of living is a huge issue right now, so I pay attention when experts tell how extreme weather is pushing up the price of home and business insurance, magnifying the costs of rebuilding from disasters and leading to higher food prices and food insecurity. It’s also adding to health care costs - as climate extremes damage physical health (asthma attacks, injury etc) and to mental health problems in the community (anxiety, depression). By contrast, I am excited about the economic and job opportunities for Australia as we shift to renewable energy. Finally, I have aways enjoyed sport and recreation, so it’s not trivial to me to think that with extreme heat some activities, like a kid’s cricket game or even a picnic, simply won’t be safe in western Sydney where I live.

They are some of my reasons for caring about action on global warming. What about you? Who are the people you care about, what are the places you love, the things you enjoy doing, that are under threat by global warming and the extreme weather that results.

Climate change is already affecting so many of the things that matter to us, but we also know that as a human caused problem it’s within our grasp to fix it, if we have the will. Climate scientist, Katherine Hayhoe, also a person of Christian faith, says to care about climate change and want to fix it, you only need to be a person living on planet earth who wants a better future.

Sometime before May 17 we will be having a federal election. Those eligible to vote  have the privilege of having a say about the policies and priorities of the next federal government. Climate change, and our response to it, is one important issue to consider.

In the next few weeks, the Uniting Advocacy team will be looking to support Uniting Church congregations and members seeking to voice their concern for ongoing and stronger climate action in this country. We call it the Uniting Climate Action Network Activation.  Actions range from displaying a banner, to writing or visiting your local MP or candidates, to holding an election forum in your church or community.  

Jon O’Brien, Uniting Advocacy Team

For More Information

To be part of the UCAN Activation simply register to join UCAN here.

You will receive regular updates and guidance to support you taking simple but meaningful action. You can opt out of UCAN at any time.

Alternatively, if you have any questions or would just like to know more about what’s planned, it would be good to talk with you.

Simply contact Jono Row jrow@uniting.org or Jon O’Brien at joobrien@uniting.org and we can organise a chat.