Clearing the Myths Around Climate Change
As Christians, we are called to be people of truth and people of hope. Yet when it comes to climate change, many of us find ourselves caught between alarming headlines, sceptical voices and a sense of helplessness about what we can realistically do.
But Scripture gives us a steady place to stand. From the opening chapters of Genesis, we are entrusted with the care of God’s creation: “The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and take care of it” (Genesis 2:15).
Myth 1: “Climate change isn’t real — the weather has always changed.”
It’s true that the climate has shifted throughout history, but today’s changes are happening far faster than natural cycles can explain. Scientists across the world — Christians among them — agree that human activity is the main driver.
Myth 2: “There’s nothing we can do — it’s too late.”
Throughout Scripture, God works through small acts of faithfulness: a widow’s oil, a boy’s loaves and fish, a mustard seed. Our individual actions may feel small, but together they form a powerful witness to God’s kingdom breaking into the world. We are never called to fix everything — only to be faithful with what we have.
Myth 3: “Caring about the environment is a political issue, not a Christian one.”
Creation care is not owned by any political party. It belongs to God. Psalm 24 reminds us, “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it.” When we protect the world God made, we honour the Creator.
So what can we realistically do?
Here are four ideas:
1. The biggest difference we could make is to switch from burning gas to heat our homes to using electricity. In most cases this will involve installing a heat pump, which many of our church members are now doing.
2. Eating meat, and especially beef is a big contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. You might not be ready to go veggie, but cutting down on meat can make a big difference.
3. It is important that we all stop burning petrol and diesel in our cars, so start to plan now for your switch to an electric vehicle. Lots of excellent second hand EVs are now available at good prices, so it doesn’t have to cost a fortune. And don’t forget that avoiding the car altogether is always the best environmental option.
4. And finally, with May elections approaching, make sure you vote for a candidate who takes this issue seriously.
A Christian Hope for Creation
Climate change is a serious challenge, but it is not the final word. Our hope is not in human effort alone but in the God who renews all things. Revelation speaks of a future where creation is restored — and our calling now is to live as people who anticipate that renewal.
By clearing away myths, embracing truth and taking small faithful steps, we join God’s work of healing His world. Together, we can be a community that reflects the Creator’s love — for the earth, for our neighbours and for generations yet to come.