When we talk about climate change, we’re talking about the scientifically observable – and increasingly severe – changes in global climate patterns … attributed to the rising levels of atmospheric greenhouse gases (carbon dioxide, in particular)….
When carbon dioxide (CO2) is emitted into our atmosphere, it can hang around for a very long time. The more carbon pollution in the air, the more the sun’s energy gets trapped in our atmosphere as heat. Think about it like this: a build-up of carbon in the atmosphere is acting like a blanket around the Earth.
(https://www.climaterealityproject.org/blog/handy-refresher-basics-climate-change)
CARBON DIOXIDE EMISSIONS INTO THE AIR, WHAT ARE THE MAIN SOURCES AND HOW MUCH ARE RELEASED?
What are the major sources of carbon dioxide?
Most man-made carbon emissions come from burning fossil fuels for energy.
Which country produces most carbon?
The US emits the most: 5,800 million tonnes every year. Next is China, over 3,000; Russia, over 2,000; Japan, 1,200; and India, 1,000 million tonnes. Other major emitters are Germany, 800; Canada, 600m; the UK, 500m; and Italy, 47m. https://www.theguardian.com/science/2005/jun/19/observerfocus.climatechange
OUR DENOMINATIONS ARE CONCERNED ABOUT THESE EVENTS:
#1 In 2017, the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) passed a watershed resolution that encouraged the church to reach carbon neutrality by 2030 to reduce our carbon footprint and serve as better stewards of creation.
#2 In 2019, the United Church of Chris General Synod endorsed the Green New Deal which is a congressional proposal that lays out a plan for tackling climate change.
#3 In September Green Chalice(DOC) sponsored a webinar titled: Going Carbon Neutral: How to Reach Our Goal to Care for God’s Creation
You can now watch it online at:
NEXT MONTH MORE ABOUT CARBON NEUTRALITY. Til Zimmerman
