Perhaps we have considered the climate an issue beyond our personal control, understanding, or interest—but our Faith teaches us that God is present in all creation. A Christian responds with love and gratitude to the created world. Patriarch Sviatoslav and Pope Francis are insistent voices among the leaders of all major world religions, urging us to mobilize in action to save our Earth from environmental disaster.

Ignoring our climate crisis cannot be an option for us.

Globally, young people, children, are articulating their frustration with governments that value immediate profit over a sustainable future. Pope Francis has pointed out that youth are not our tomorrow, they are today; they are here and now. We can look to them to recognize that our present lifestyles of “success” will rob their adulthood of clean air and water, the constituents of life itself. Amnesty International has identified the climate crisis as “the greatest human rights challenge of our time. It impacts the right to life, health, food, water, housing, livelihood, security and the rights of Indigenous peoples. Climate change disproportionately affects those who are already vulnerable, disadvantaged or facing discrimination.”

As we know in our parish, together we can make a difference. We can make the world a better place.

The election campaigns are in full swing: who, beyond rhetoric, will respect efforts to fight climate change? Let’s join our Church leaders and youth in taking climate change seriously.