The United Nations released a new and alarming study a few days ago on the rate and effects of Climate change.  It came with several calls-to-action.  Scientists want us all to take various and broad-ranging (and not necessarily painful) action because their clear and informed view is this: Determined, systematic action must be taken, right away, to avoid drastic consequences if too little is done.

This won’t surprise people who have been watching the issues, seeing more and more data presented that reveal a rapidly worsening situation.  The report can be found here.

This blog is oriented around Theology, spirituality and the natural world. I’ve seldom dealt much here with climate change issues.  However, they are unquestionably theological as well as scientific issues.  And in the current “climate”, I must do my small part to help inform and hopefully inspire action (one of which, critically, is voting in November if you are in the US … on climate change the partisan difference is vast).

I cannot make some of the important points as well as they are made in statements by one of the world’s most significant thought leaders.  He’s a man not widely known as a public figure though he’s long been a prolific writer and speaker, held in the highest esteem by those who have known him and his work over many decades. (I’m very lucky to be one of them.) I refer to retired professor, John B. Cobb, Jr.

The earlier of two short articles, here, was written almost two years ago but is very pertinent right now in relation to the dire warnings and precise prescriptions coming from the United Nations.  Cobb shares how and why he’s “keeping the faith” (in relation to hope for the physical world, not just spiritual belief or practice).

The other article, here, will be fascinating to people interested in the broad economic and biological context of how global warming has developed and continues, and what it will take to at least slow if not reverse it.  Additionally, it’s interesting to see how a brilliant teacher and theologian adjusted his thinking and priorities mid-stream, stemming initially from things his young son learned at church!

Cobb refers to books he co-authored with biologist Charles Birch and prominent economist Herman Daly.  He shares a vital insight into the practicality of both philosophy and theology, summarized in this reference to these two books:

These may be my most valuable theological books, even though they are not what most people would think of as “theological” at all.

Have you read these or similar books? What are your thoughts about them or about the relationship of spirituality, religious beliefs, philosophy, economics, etc., to climate change?