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Guardians of the Earth
by Frank Schaefer

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In our own lives, we reconnect with nature when we take a trip to the Rocky Mountains or the Caribbean or perhaps ski down a magnificent slope. The pristine wonder of nature still inspires us. Yet we need not go far. A trip to the zoo with a small child or a walk through a botanic garden can link us to the heaven and earth that Genesis says God created.

We are guardians of the earth. "Shomrei Adamah" in Hebrew. It isn't a new job. It was first given to Adam in the Garden of Eden by God. Just as God created the first human beings, God placed them in the Garden "to till and to tend it."

It's a divine job...

Read Genesis 1:26 (The Message):

God spoke: "Let us make human beings in our image, make them reflecting our nature, so they can be responsible for the fish in the sea, the birds in the air, the cattle, and, yes, Earth itself, and every animal that moves on the face of Earth."

We are charged with that divine role of guarding and caring for the world. According to one early Midrash, God said to Adam, "Look at My works, how beautiful and praiseworthy they are! Everything that I created, I created for you. Take care that you do not damage and destroy my world, for if you damage it, there is no one to repair it afterwards!"

We can't overemphasize the importance of human responsibility to the natural world. And let's be honest, we've done a pretty crummy job. As technology has advanced, we have exploited the earth and its precious resources; we have treated the planet much like a pinata. The world is aching and spinning out of whack. We recently became aware of that fact once again when the news reported about the devastation hurricane Dorian left behind on the Bahamas.

And, yes, we have started to make some changes. Basic environmentalism is something that has become part of most everyone's life in the industrialized world. We recycle, we return printer cartridges, perhaps we turn off lights as we leave a room, and maybe our next car will be electric?

We do those things because they feel right, are cool, or because they save us money, or simply because they've been drilled into us. Everywhere we look, big companies are making environmentalism a part of their standard operating procedure. Hotels now give you the option of not replacing your towels and sheets every day. Environmentalism has become very trendy.

But as much as environmentalism, "going green," is a part of life, we don't fully engage. Our commitment is inconsistent, too little, too late. We don't do enough. We recycle the newspaper, but not the junk mail. We do cans, but not bottles.

According to the Midrash there will be no one to repair the earth if we destroy it. And yet we still don't make the active efforts to respond to what is already a worldwide crisis.

One person can't make a real difference, we think. And yet we know that's not true in other issues of social justice. We all make an impact on the world individually.

By changing our habits, one person can help be a guardian of the earth. "It is not our responsibility to complete the work, but neither are we free to ignore our responsibilities.

By engaging, we move towards our role as a guardian of the earth. We must model the behavior of creating a greener environment and guarding our precious planet.

From choices on light bulbs to cleaning products, fair trade coffee to appliances, planting a garden, there is so much we can explore and consider.

On your way out, you'll be getting a sheet that lists a few ideas for you and your family to incorporate into your lives.

We are guardians of the present earth and caretakers of her future. As we damage and destroy God's world today, there is no one to repair it. It may take commitment, creativity, and personal change, but let's embrace what we can do to care for the only home we have. Amen.

Handout:

Climate Change 101

What causes climate change?

  • Carbon dioxide traps heat in the atmosphere, causing temperatures to rise.

  • For the past 800,000 years, atmospheric CO2 been less than 300 ppm

  • In the past 50 years, atmospheric CO2 has increased to 400 ppm

  • Very rapid CO2 increase destabilizes system

 

How is climate change already affecting the earth?

  • 16 of the 17 hottest years ever have occurred since 2000

  • The ocean is warming, rising and becoming more acidic

  • Glaciers, sea ice and snow-packs are melting

  • Hurricanes, droughts, fires and winter storms are getting worse

 

 

How can I reduce my personal carbon footprint?

  • Eat more plants, less meat, and reduce food waste

  • Rethink your commute

  • Choose a green energy provider (if you have that option)

  • Buy less stuff

 

What political actions can help fight climate change?

  • Urge your city and state leaders to switch to 100% clean electricity

  • Stop construction of fossil fuel infrastructure, such as pipelines.

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