Finding Hope in the Midst of Climate Change
According to PAG-ASA, there are ‘more tropical cyclone (TCs) are entering the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) than anywhere else in the world. With the average of 20 TCs in this region per year, with about 8 or 9 of them crossing the Philippines. The peak of the typhoon season is July through October, when nearly 70% of all typhoons develop.’
This sounds like it is already a routine in the country to experience this natural calamity (not including earthquake). But what is alarming with these typical typhoons lies in its destructive power. That almost all of them that are passing the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) leaves the country with so many damages and even loss of life. By this, we recognize the devastating effect of what we call now as Climate Change. As the terms echo to our ears, we hear the rising challenges we are into, the hope that we are leaning on, and the call to action for everyone, especially to the Christian community.
Rising to the Challenge
Climate change is an issue that affects every aspect of our lives, and as Christians, we have a responsibility to care for God’s creation. The challenge of climate change may seem overwhelming, but it is also an opportunity for us to live out our faith in a tangible way. We have the power to make a positive impact on the environment and be a force for change.
One of the key principles of Christianity is stewardship – the idea that we are caretakers of the Earth and everything in it. This means taking responsibility for the ways in which our actions contribute to climate change and actively working to reduce our carbon footprint. By making small changes in our daily lives, such as conserving energy, reducing waste, and using sustainable products, we can make a big difference.
Finding Hope
In the face of such a daunting challenge, it can be easy to feel discouraged or helpless. However, as Christians, we have the ultimate source of hope – our faith in God. We can find comfort in knowing that God is in control and that He has given us the tools and resources we need to address climate change.
Additionally, we can find hope in the actions and efforts of others. There are countless individuals, organizations, and communities that are working towards sustainability and combating climate change. By joining together with like-minded people, we can amplify our impact and create lasting change.
A Call to Action
As Christians, it is not enough to simply be aware of the issue of climate change. We are called to take action and be advocates for the environment. This means educating ourselves and others about the realities of climate change, supporting policy changes that prioritize environmental sustainability, and using our voices to speak up for the voiceless – the vulnerable communities and species that are most affected by climate change.
Let us embrace the challenge of climate change with optimism and hope. Together, we can make a difference and create a more sustainable future for generations to come.
