Ah-Choo!
Climate change is extending warm seasons, resulting in more allergies for sufferers. (Climate Central Graphic)
A United Methodist Insight Column
With the climate crisis overshadowed this week by the Israel-Hamas war, here are some climate-related headlines and other notes.
Extreme heat could make parts of the world “unlivable” for weeks on end. "The hottest parts of the world will hit levels of heat and humidity that even young, healthy people could struggle to survive, according to research published recently. Parts of Asia, the Middle East and Africa. For example, Lahore, Pakistan, could be that hot by the middle of the century for two or three weeks a year," reports the Washington Post.
Here's a batch of notes from the Rev. Richenda Fairhurst's "JustCreation" newsletter:
Call for a Superfund Response to Climate Disaster. "The Interfaith Climate Justice Community joined other faith voices in calling for a robust financial response to the cost of climate-fueled disasters. From the Buffalo News, Another Voice: Faith community supports the Climate Change Superfund Act.
Congregational Solar Webinar. Again from Rev. Fairhurst: "On October 18th online the United Methodist Creation Justice Movement Cafe hosts experts from Collective Sun and the Interfaith Solar Campaign, organizations working with churches, temples and synagogues to determine what is the best approach to get solar energy flowing to the church. Learn more and register. Check out also the UMCJM’s October newsletter, focused on solar."
Fossil Free UMC. "With new denominational legislation being considered in 2024, United Methodists concerned with moral investment are again calling for the denomination to divest. A new Just and Free, Fossil Free UMC movement is launching. Check this space for more information as it comes up, meanwhile contact Fossilfreeumc@earth-justice.org. The renewed website will soon be live at fossilfreeumc.org."
More Coastal Flooding
Recent heavy rains, combined with higher tides, have resulted in more coastal flooding. (Climate Central Graphic)
Despite the latest data of how the climate crisis is affecting the planet (see above graphic), people of faith are still slow to see climate change as a crucial issue, according to Public Religion Resource Institute's (PRRI) latest study, The Faith Factor in Climate Change: How Religion Impacts American Attitudes on Climate and Environmental Policy. Says PRRI: "Read about the study from Washington Post (gift link) U.S. faith groups do not view climate change as a crisis, new poll finds. Among White evangelicals, the view that the Earth is in crisis dropped — from 13 percent in 2014 to 8 percent, the Public Religion Research Institute found and from the Religious News Service RNS The white evangelical march toward climate disaster."
A sign of hope
Oak twig with acorns
Photo by Gleam/ Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license/Wikimedia Commons.
For a sign of hope amid all the world's crises, Better Homes and Gardens suggests planting an oak tree. The magazine says that native oaks benefit habitat restoration and help native biodiversity. I can attest that the Shumard red oak we planted in our backyard 25 years ago has been a source of sustenance for birds and other wildlife and a source of enjoyment for us watching their antics. We're about to plant more trees in November through a City of Dallas program that will offer free seedlings to residents. Check out what may be available in your area. Here's a start from Better Homes and Gardens: How to Grow an Oak Tree from an Acorn. Use these tips on growing oak trees from acorns to start a grove of your own. Read about the biodiversity powerhouse that is the native oak, from One Earth, Oak trees: kings of biodiversity.
Media Mentions as of Oct. 11, 2023
Many Americans don't believe in organized religion. But they believe in a "higher power," poll finds – CBS News
Oklahoma Supreme Court rules against two churches in United Methodist exit cases – The Oklahoman
Calvary United Methodist Church celebrates 150th anniversary - Fremont Tribune
Zion UMC celebrates 170 years of ministry | The Courier
Elizabethton's First United Methodist celebrating 190th birthday | Faith - Johnson City Press
First United Methodist Church of Nichols Hills prepares to celebrate 75-years, "The best is ... – city-sentinel.com
DeKalb celebrates new home for First United Methodist Church - Shaw Local
Church dispute sharpens as property fight continues | News | jonesborosun.com
100-year-old members celebrated at St. Mark United Methodist Church - WBRZ
Stitches of gratitude: Sunbury church helping veterans | | dailyitem.com
Glade Spring church installs 'blessing box' to help neighbors, needs help to keep it stocked – SWVA Today
Appleton's First United Methodist Church celebrates 175th anniversary - WFRV
Simpson United Methodist Church to get new life as shelter, affordable housing - YouTube
Small CCN logo
An award-winning religion journalist who has reported on The United Methodist Church at all levels for 35 years, Cynthia B. Astle serves as Editor of United Methodist Insight, an online journal she founded in 2011. "Crisis Watch" forms part of Insight's participation in Covering Climate Now, an international collaboration of 600-plus news outlets around the world committed to enhanced climate coverage, focusing especially on solutions. To reproduce this content elsewhere, please email Insight for permission.