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257 items

  • Manifest Destiny: The American Dream or an Ecological Crisis?

    This chapter from the student-written book "Emerging Perspectives on Religion and Environmental Values in America" explores the history of colonial expansion and the concept of manifest destiny in the US. It examines the environmental impacts as well as the religious motivations behind this course of action. Below is the first paragraph of the chapter to introduce the discussion.

    "A quintessential part of the “American dream” is freedom. Whether it be freedom of religion, freedom of speech, or simply freedom to pursue one’s own dreams, Americans have always idolized the United States as a sort of utopia for individual freedom. 'Manifest destiny' is a mindset that embodies this belief. A staple term in every elementary, middle, and high school student’s American history textbook, it might be considered the epitome of what it meant to be American at the start of American imperialism. The idea of manifest destiny gained popularity in the mid-19th century and was built upon the notion of freedom. Advocates for manifest destiny believed that Americans were free, even bound by fate, to conquer the North American continent and expand the realm of democratic republicanism and Christianity. Under the guise of religious, political, and economic motivations, manifest destiny allowed Americans to pursue the 'American dream' and subdue the 'wild west.' The environmental and humanitarian implications of manifest destiny were frequently overlooked or not considered, resulting in ideology that still today seeps into our behaviors and perceptions regarding domination and superiority."

  • The Consequences of the Ego and the Potential of Unselfing

    This chapter from the student-written book “Emerging Perspectives on Religion and Environmental Values in America” explores consumption, human ego, and the relationship between these and our environment. It discusses human nature and how we interact with each other, technology, and nature. Below is the first paragraph of the chapter to introduce the discussion.

    "Consumption is one of the favorite pastimes of our developed society, but it is also the source of many environmental problems. As technology has advanced, our society and economy have developed into one dependent on the mass consumption of things. Our habits of mass consumption have acted as a vehicle of destruction by increasing the amount of resources we use and waste we produce, leaving parts of our environment severely degraded. As a result, the people who have more and seem to be successful make more environmental impact, while the environmental consequences of their actions tend to be felt by the have nots. Our symbols of success that we prop up seem to be part of the problem as they have serious environmental downsides, and even though we recognize these downsides we continue to glorify consumptive habits that are destructive. But have you ever considered the roots of our need to consume?"

  • The Rev. Dr. Jessica Moerman, President & CEO of Evangelical Environmental Network

    "The Rev. Dr. Jessica Moerman is a climate and environmental scientist, pastor, educator, and advocate. She serves as the President and CEO of the Evangelical Environmental Network and is a Board Member of the National Association of Evangelicals. Jessica received her Ph.D. in Earth and Atmospheric Sciences from the Georgia Institute of Technology and has held research positions at John Hopkins University, University of Michigan, and the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, where she researched how climate has changed throughout Earth’s history. Prior to joining EEN, Jessica was a AAAS Science and Technology Policy Fellow at the U.S. Department of Energy."

  • #PlasticDetox Social Media Challenge

    "Join the EARTHDAY.ORG #PlasticDetox challenge and reduce your plastic use! Take small steps to avoid single-use plastics like bags, straws, bottles, and packaging. Share your eco-friendly swaps and inspire others to join the movement on social media using #PlasticDetox.

    The challenge not only focuses on individual actions but also encourages participants to spread awareness and inspire others to join the movement. By collectively engaging in the EARTHDAY.ORG #PlasticDetox challenge, participants will create a ripple effect and encourage a wider shift towards a plastic-free lifestyle. Together, we can make a big impact for a plastic-free future!"

  • A Call for Climate Justice this Season of Creation

    "2023 Season of Creation Call to Action: Ask the Biden Administration to stop fossil fuel expansion and consider the forgiveness of debt of developing nations at COP 28. You can:

    1. Organize a prayer service in an ecologically impacted place near you

    2. Sign the forgiveness of debt letter (online) during the prayer service, or anytime during Season of Creation, and share it widely

    3. Take a picture of the place and people gathered at the prayer service

    4. Post your prayer service to social media tagging President Biden, Special Envoy Kerry, and Secretary Yellen (social media links and language here), and let them know we are #PrayingForYou to take strong action on fossil fuels and debt relief."

  • Canary

    "Witness the extraordinary life of Dr. Lonnie Thompson, an explorer who went where no scientist had gone before and transformed our idea of what is possible. Daring to seek Earth’s history contained in glaciers atop the tallest mountains in the world, Lonnie found himself on the frontlines of climate change—his life’s work evolving into a salvage mission to recover these priceless historical records before they disappear forever."

    This movie will be released nation-wide September 2023, and will showcase the life and work of OSU climate scientist Lonnie Thompson--Thompson also had a near-death experience following a heart transplant, and persevered with a new perspective of faith in his scientific endeavors.

  • Adamah on Campus

    "Adamah on Campus combines climate activism with Jewish tradition, identity, culture, and values to build community among Jewish students passionate about climate justice. In the wake of increasing climate disasters and anti-Semitism, young Jews know intimately the anxieties and challenges of growing up in a world rife with injustice and an uncertain future. Adamah on Campus provides a Jewish organizing home for these young college activists to feel: empowered in their identity, supported by a network of peers, Jewishly connected, and engaged in the current issues of our time."

  • Partners Meeting with EEN

    The Evangelical Environmental Network's Thriving Creation, Thriving Congregations partners program seeks to educate participants on the scriptural basis for environmental care, as well as the relevant science and policy, in order to drive cultural and behavioral change in their congregations and policy change on the local, state, and national level.

    We are looking for Christ followers in the Columbus area who are ready to take their activism to the next level through community building, civic engagement, and faithful advocacy! Deadline to RSVP is Friday Sept 8th 5pm.

  • Laudato Si' 2.0: Pope announces new document ahead of 'Season of Creation'

    This article talks about the upcoming release of Pope Francis' next document about the Christian faith and honoring our planet. In his new book, Laudato Si' 2.0, Pope Francis is tackling the current climate crisis. His main goal for this piece is to expand on the climate crisis issues that have come to front since his 2015 version of Laudato Si'. This anticipated release comes with the beginning of the "Season of Creation", a time to reflect and honor our planet.

  • Earthbeat: A Project of National Catholic Reporter

    "The climate is changing, posing serious questions and consequences for the planet and people both today and in the future. The issues are complex, with significant action required of each of us and all of us.

    As more people view climate change as not just a crisis, but a matter of moral urgency, it's clear that religion plays a role.

    We at EarthBeat, a project of National Catholic Reporter, are here to tell that story: how Catholics and other faith groups speak out and take action. Where ecological concern and moral conviction meet, well, that's our beat.

    We pursue EarthBeat’s journalism with the same independence that underlines all of what National Catholic Reporter does. But it is an unusual story that rivets our attention in one direction in particular: What can be done to help save the planet. We invite your participation — in the work of EarthBeat, specifically, and more broadly in the larger challenge facing us all."

  • Methodist Church Climate Commitment to Net-Zero Emissions

    The United Methodist Church has acknowledged their responsibility in climate action. They have committed to converting all facilities associated with the church to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. They provide an explanation for this commitment based on scripture.

  • How faith can inspire environmental action

    As majority of the world associates with a religion, we can see how it effects one's view on nature. As climate change is becoming more and more of a problem, faith and religion can be a driving factor in making a change. What isn't talked about enough is how faith and religion can strike social environmental change. Faith and religion point of views on the environment can lead people to think about the environment as sacred, with compassion, empathy, and kindness. We can make progress on climate change with the help of faith and religions.

  • GoodLands

    GoodLands is a nonprofit organization that recognizes the potential for the land owned and managed by Catholic dioceses. They provide the tools for communities to understand the land they own and how to best manage them to provide the greatest ecological benefit possible.

  • What is your 5784 Climate Resolution? Shana Tova from Adamah

    This video contains a quick overview of the year and interviews with members of the Adamah community on their goals for the Jewish New Year in relation to the environment and climate action. It encourages the viewer to make their own climate goals and reflect on their environmental actions.

  • A Future We Can Love: How We Can Reverse the Climate Crisis with the Power of Our Hearts and Minds

    "Discover wisdom and guidance to face the climate emergency from the most influential spiritual and environmental leaders of our time, including the Dalai Lama, Greta Thunberg, Joanna Macy, Vandana Shiva, Paul Hawken, Katharine Hayhoe, and Matthieu Ricard.

    When the Dalai Lama and Greta Thunberg spoke for the first time in January 2021, millions of people around the world took notice. “It is encouraging to see how you have opened the eyes of the world to the urgency to protect our planet, our only home,” the Dalai Lama wrote to Greta before their meeting.

    A Future We Can Love shares the words of these two great figures, generations apart, bringing them into dialogue with dozens of visionary scientists, activists, and spiritual luminaries. These include indigenous scholar and artist Lyla June, medical biochemist and author Diana Beresford-Kroeger, climate scientist and Zen teacher Kritee Kanko, interfaith environmental leader Dekila Chungyalpa, Buddhist teacher Willa Blythe Baker, Rabbi Steve Leder, and many more. Through this world-changing conversation, readers embark on a four-part journey toward active hope in the face of the climate crisis: from knowledge of climate science, through the capacity for change, and to the will that is needed and the actions we can take."

  • Moving Forward: A Guide to Climate Action For Your Congregation and Community

    This guide was created by ecoAmerica and the Blessed Tomorrow coalition. It includes actions that individuals, household, and community groups can take with regard to the eliminating of pollution, conserving energy, transitioning to clean power. It also focuses on supporting policies that support care for creation.

  • Taking Down Goliath

    "It can be daunting to confront the climate crisis and move toward effective action – but there’s so much we can do together. Dayenu has developed a Jewish climate organizing training especially for young people, and it has empowered and motivated hundreds of us already.
    Join us in the new year for Taking Down Goliath, Dayenu’s signature program for people ages 18-32.
    This four-part virtual training takes place during two consecutive weeks on Monday and Wednesday evenings. The dates for Winter 2024 are January 29, January 31, February 5, and February 7. Participants should plan to attend all four sessions.
    During the first week, we’ll focus on themes of POWER and JUSTICE. In our second week together, we’ll talk about building RELATIONSHIPS and taking ACTION.
    More than 350 young people have already engaged in Taking Down Goliath. This is your chance!
    All participants who complete the course will be offered a $50 stipend.
    Dayenu is committed to racial equity and accessibility. Sephardi and Mizrahi Jews, Black and Indigenous people, people of color, people with disabilities, and LGBTQIA people are strongly encouraged to register.
    The early bird registration deadline is Friday, January 19, 2024!"

  • God's Creation Needs You Video Series

    "'God’s Creation Needs You' is a new video series featuring six Catholic communities across the nation caring for our common home through climate action, advocacy, farming, community organizing, service to others, solar energy, education, prayer and a focus on environmental justice.

    Watch for a new video each week!"

    This page contains a compilation of the videos involved in this series, as well as a preview to the series.

  • 52 Ways to Care for Creation: January 2024

    "Download the January 2024 52 Ways to Care for Creation bulletin insert! Use this resource to deepen your congregation’s commitment to creation justice. Each week highlights a creation justice idea for action or reflection for yourself and your community."

  • Climate Justice Resource Page

    This web page from the West Ohio Conference of the United Methodist Church contains information about climate change, as well as a variety of related resources. These include how people can advocate for the issue, reflect on their actions, connect with related organizations, and find a number of other resources.

  • Golden Temple, Grey Air: Pollution in Amritsar

    This article describes how increasing tourist activity and reliance on the Bhgatanwala dumping site is creating air pollution that is threatening the integrity of the Golden Temple in India. While the Management Committee Golden Temple (SGPC) has taken action to reduce pollution from its kitchen and energy production, the government is failing to intervene and reduce pollution in surrounding areas.

  • The Rewiring America Handbook: A Guide to Winning the Climate Fight

    "The COVID-19 pandemic showed the world the dire consequences of ignoring science and its predictions of global crises. But the pandemic was just a rehearsal for the climate disasters humanity will face – unless we act now.

    In his new book, Rewiring America, Saul Griffith, PhD argues that we can still address the threat of climate change, but only if we respond with a massive war-time mobilization effort to transform the fossil fuel economy into a fully electrified one, run on wind, solar, and other renewable energy sources. Based on the vast data about energy flows in the U.S. economy that his company, Otherlab, has mapped, Griffith details how to not only save us from climate disaster, but to help us enjoy a cleaner, healthier, and more prosperous future."

  • Moving Goal

    "Sustainability is a moving goal; requiring humans to be agile and intuitive to achieve sustainability and build resiliency." Taken by Kenedy Witherow. Submitted to the RESTORExchange Sustainability Contest.

  • Preserving a Beautiful World

    "Preserving a beautiful world". Taken by David Farrokh. Submitted to the RESTORExchange Sustainability Photo Contest.

  • Reflections of Our Impact on the Built Environment

    "Reflections of our impact on the built environment: This photo of a main canal in Amsterdam, Netherlands held deeper correlation to the meaning of sustainability to me since it demonstrates how the state of the natural environment is a reflection of the built environment and what measures we take to mitigate climate change and environmental degradation. Sustainability to me is deeply related to the intersection of the built environment and nature and how we can create an evolving world while maintaining the earth for future generations." Taken by Mikayla Carey. Submitted to the RESTORExchange Sustainability Contest.