Focusing on positive thoughts and actions regarding climate change is a powerful, proactive way to confront the Trump administration’s denial of climate science and seeming disregard for the environment. As caring and compassionate communities we can use less energy to take care of the Earth, her resources and people.
Our actions and energy use do affect the climate, the earth, and others all over the world. By living the Golden Rule we can effect changes:
One climate science meta-study says that up to 97.2% of the climate research studies confirm that global warming is real, is mostly caused by human overuse of fossil fuels, and will get worse. (Check out the research at http://tinyurl.com/hynksuu).
195 countries met in Paris in December 2015, to forge an agreement to address climate change. This agreement was ratified, yet the Paris commitments still fall way short of the emissions reductions required to avoid dangerous levels of global warming.
Besides drastic weather changes all over the world, many coasts, islands and large parts of the Southern Hemisphere will be devastated if we allow the global average temperature to rise more than 1.5 degrees C above pre-industrial levels. NASA reports that in February 2016, the global average was 1.34 degrees C above that level.
There is scientific agreement that we can only sustain 350 ppm of carbon dioxide in our atmosphere for plant, animal and human life to continue on this planet as we know it. We have already exceeded 400 ppm. (see 350.org)
Nonetheless, as Teilhard de Chardin reminds us, “Our duty as men and women is to proceed as if limits to our ability did not exist. We are collaborators in creation.” So we can make lifestyle changes in creative ways to reduce carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases. We can do that in many ways including a “carbon fast.”
Why a carbon fast? Fasting is a focused, mindful way to let go and live more simply so others may simply live. We all know how to fast in small and larger ways. People of various faith traditions, indigenous cultures and the health community fast in order to feel more clear, healthy and connected to life force energy. Let more spirit in! We need all the help we can get.
At Ascension Parish, the school and religious education students, families and parishioners are invited to take part in a Lenten Carbon Fast and Mission. Whatever your faith tradition or philosophy, we invite you to join along! Each of the six weeks of Lent has a different theme for lifestyle changes to reduce carbon and energy use. Some are easy, some more challenging, and a few are “courageous” choices. You get to choose and learn how to make these changes.
As you figure out your carbon footprint by using one of the carbon calculators (below), you’ll see the number of tons of carbon your family puts into the atmosphere each year. You may also consider an energy audit of your home to save money and save energy. More info will be provided soon so you can calculate the reduced amount of carbon, save money and feel proactive. Pick one of the following:
http://coolclimate.berkeley.edu/carboncalculator
http://www.coolcongregations.org/calculator/
http://www.carbotax.org/
https://www3.epa.gov/carbon-footprint-calculator/
The Lenten Carbon Fast Calendar is posted on the Ascension website http://www.ascensionoakpark.com/parish/2017-lenten-project under the Feb. 22 blog post. Check it out. And for the next five weeks in Viewpoints you’ll get some suggestions for lifestyle changes that you and your family may wish to engage in. As always, take what you need and leave the rest. Share successes and involve family, neighbors and friends.
Since the mission associated with Ascension’s Lenten Carbon Fast is www.TreesThatFeed.org, our first week’s theme is trees. Be creative and make this program your own.
This Carbon Fast was created by a collaborative team of Ascension Parish members and staff.
Gina Orlando teaches science courses at DePaul University, which include environmental issues and actions.
