Climate Change a Political Issue?

Have you ever heard of the Great Pacific Garbage Patch (GPGP)? Picture a vast, swirling mass of debris—1.8 trillion pieces of plastic—stretching across 617,763 square miles of the Pacific Ocean, northwest of Hawaii. That’s twice the size of Texas, according to The Ocean Cleanup. It’s the largest accumulation of ocean plastics in the world, a stark reminder of humanity’s impact on God’s creation. Scientists warn that by 2050, plastic could outweigh fish in our oceans. Each week, we unknowingly consume microplastics equivalent to a credit card’s worth. Beyond the oceans, the ozone layer over Antarctica remains depleted, ice caps are melting faster than ever, and extreme weather—hurricanes, tornadoes, floods—is becoming more frequent. Over the past decade, more than 63 oil spills have released millions of gallons of oil into our waterways.

Names like Chernobyl, Exxon Valdez, Deepwater Horizon, the Kuwaiti Oil Fires, the Amazon wildfires, and Love Canal evoke man-made disasters that scarred the Earth. Decades later, their effects linger, haunting our air, water, and soil. Yet, few issues today spark as much division among Christians as climate change. A Pew Research Center study found that only 45% of Christians believe humanity is causing significant, preventable harm to the planet. Growing up, I was taught to dismiss climate change, trusting that God would never let the Earth suffer because “He is in control.” While I still believe in God’s sovereignty, I now see climate change as a real threat that demands our attention—not just as citizens, but as followers of Christ.

My opinion alone isn’t enough. Instead, I want to explore what the Bible says about our role in caring for the Earth. Here are three truths every Christian should consider when addressing climate change.

1. God Calls Us to Be Good Stewards of the Earth

From the beginning, God entrusted humanity with His creation. Genesis 2:15 says He placed Adam in the Garden of Eden to “work it and take care of it.” This wasn’t a suggestion but a divine calling to nurture and protect the Earth. Psalm 24:1 reminds us, “The Earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it.” As His image-bearers, we’re responsible for preserving its beauty and resources. Deuteronomy 11:12 describes God’s tender care for the Promised Land, a model for how we should treat the world He’s given us. Yet, Jeremiah 2:7 warns against defiling what God provides: “I brought you into a fertile land… but you came and defiled my land and made my inheritance detestable.”

Look at our world today. The EPA reports that Americans generate over 139 million tons of landfill waste annually, much of it avoidable. In Carlsbad, New Mexico, air pollution from industrial activity is so severe it rivals urban centers like Los Angeles, threatening residents’ health. I recently moved to Seagraves, Texas, a town of about 2,000. Walking at night, I collect trash—four or five 5-gallon bags, three times a week—and the litter never stops. As Christians, we’ve fallen short of God’s call to stewardship. Our neighborhoods are dirtier, our water less drinkable, our air harder to breathe. What legacy are we leaving for the next generation?

Stewardship starts with action. We can reduce waste, support conservation efforts, or advocate for cleaner communities. Churches can lead by hosting recycling programs or teaching creation care. If we believe the Earth is God’s, we must treat it with reverence, ensuring it reflects His glory for generations to come.

2. Consider the Less Fortunate

Proverbs 14:31 ties our faith to our compassion: “Whoever oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God.” Climate change hits the poorest the hardest. In developing nations, droughts destroy crops, floods displace families, and heatwaves threaten lives. The World Bank estimates that by 2030, climate change could push 130 million more people into poverty. Even in the U.S., communities like Flint, Michigan, lack clean water, while farmers face crop failures from unpredictable weather. These aren’t just headlines—they’re human stories of suffering.

Luke 3:11 urges us to share even our clothing with those in need, echoing Jesus’ call to love our neighbors (Matthew 22:39). When we ignore climate change, we turn a blind eye to the vulnerable bearing its brunt. Imagine a summer without air conditioning or clean water—realities many face daily. As Christians, we’re called to act. We can support clean water initiatives, donate to disaster relief, or advocate for policies that protect marginalized communities. Our churches can plant community gardens or partner with organizations ensuring equitable access to resources.

Some argue other issues—education, morality, or safety—demand our focus. While these matter, we cannot overlook the Earth’s decline. Jesus’ parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) reminds us to help those in need, no matter the cost. By addressing climate change, we honor God by caring for His most vulnerable children.

3. “God Is in Control” Is Not a License to Sin

Romans 6:1-2 challenges the misuse of God’s grace: “Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means!” Neglecting the Earth is a sin because it defies God’s command to steward His creation. Yes, God is sovereign, but that doesn’t excuse inaction. In the parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30), Jesus teaches that God expects us to faithfully manage what He entrusts to us. Burying our responsibility—like the servant who hid his talent—displeases Him.

As Christians, we’re called to be “salt and light” (Matthew 5:13-16), showing the world Christ’s love through our actions. When we dismiss environmental concerns with “God has it under control,” we risk pushing others away from the Gospel. Instead, we should lead by example. Churches can organize park clean-ups, adopt energy-efficient practices, or teach children to value creation. Individuals can reduce waste, conserve water, or support ethical businesses. These choices reflect a faith that honors God in every sphere of life.

When we treat the Earth as disposable, we dim the light of Christ. By caring for creation, we not only obey God but also draw others to Him, showing a faith that transforms both hearts and the world.

Conclusion

Climate change isn’t a political issue for Christians—it’s a stewardship issue. God entrusted us with a beautiful, fertile Earth. Will we hand the next generation a legacy of care or carelessness? Recently, a church member brought porcelain cups for coffee, replacing Styrofoam. He did this on my request. In order to get people to use them I offered to wash them, not to push an agenda, but to show how small steps honor God’s creation. Living waste-free is impossible, but Christians should lead the way in responsible stewardship—for our sake, for the poor, and for God’s glory.

When we stand before God one day, will He say, “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:23)? Let’s commit to caring for His Earth, reflecting His love in every choice we make. Join me in taking one step today—whether it’s reducing plastic, cleaning a park, or praying for wisdom to steward God’s creation well. Together, we can shine Christ’s light in a world that desperately needs it.