What does the Bible say about climate change?

If we take the Bible seriously, we have to listen to what it says about important issues of our time.

But what does it say about climate change or the environment? The Bible isn’t a scientific textbook, but does show us how much God values his creation and humanity.

In Genesis 1:26, we are told that human beings are made in the image of God, “So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.”

One of the ways we’re made in God’s likeness is how we’ve been given the task of caring and stewarding for the planet. To be made in God’s image means we are stewards or caretakers of the planet, people and animals, of all creation.

There are countless verses that talk about God’s love and care for creation, like Psalm 24:1, “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it. The world and all its people belong to him.” There are even more verses about caring for the impoverished, the marginalized and the oppressed.

In the gospel stories, when Christ tells us to care for ‘the least of these’ (Matthew 25:40), we can’t help but care about climate change because it directly affects the poor all around the globe. When scientists tell us that the climate is changing, we should also be listening to our sisters and brothers who are experiencing the direct results of climate change.

In the New Testament, Paul tells the church in Thessalonians not to wait around for Christ’s return or for the end of the world. Instead he tells them to work with their hands and care for their families and neighbours (1 Thessalonians 4).

We believe that Christ will return to redeem the entire creation, just as John prophesied in the book of Revelation (Revelation 21:5). We have the freedom to participate in that redemptive work now, bringing God’s kingdom to earth as it is in heaven.

Want to go even further? Check out Christian Climate Scientist Dr. Katharine Hayhoe’s excellent video on climate change and the Bible here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SpjL_otLq6Y