When Will We Have A Cooler Planet ?

I don’t know about you, but for me it’s been a very hot summer. Here in South Texas we had a brutal stretch of three-digit degree weather during July. My air conditioning went out at my home, more equipment was purchased and my central air system was re- calibrated.

It’s not just here in Texas, but elsewhere as well, hotter temperatures have emerged. Over 100-degree weather in Portland, Or; massive flooding in Maryland.

Now we have horrific fires in California and in other states.

The following records were set so far this summer:

The University of California Los Angeles set its all-time high-temperature of 111 degrees on July 6, along with several other locations in Southern California.
Denver tied its all-time high-temperature record of 105 degrees on June 28.
Mount Washington, N.H., tied its all-time warmest low temperature of 60 degrees on July 2.
Burlington, Vt., set its all-time warmest low temperature ever recorded of 80 degrees on July 2.
· Red-hot planet: All-time heat records have been set all over the world …
· https://www.washingtonpost.com/…/hot-planet-all-time-heat-records-have-been-set-all-o…

All of this heat is putting great stress on water supplies, on electrical energy grid systems and the bodies of frail health individuals and others.

Genesis 1:28 proclaims:

God said to them, “Be fruitful, multiply, fill the earth, and subdue it. … and multiply, and replenish the earth”.

One can argue that humankind has done its part to be fruitful and multiply and subdue the earth. Look no further than the vast repository of plastic that is floating around in western Pacific Ocean.

We are aware that sea levels are rising in the world, and that polar ice is melting threatening the lives of species like the polar bears.

What can we do in order to work for a cooler planet? Why are we being held hostage by corporations and governments that still want to exist on fossil fuels and burning carbon generating materials?

I remember growing up decades ago in Oregon, when a company was emitting too much emissions and allowing it to escape into the atmosphere. The state would fine the company every day until levels were reduced to more acceptable levels.

Some would call this harsh policy, but it was evidence that the local government took seriously the mandate of protecting the health and welfare of all of its citizens.

Now all these years later, there is very little evidence of similar prophetic action. The terrible tragedy of Flint, Michigan, with its tainted water and lifelong health problems that have been generated for its citizens, including children, painfully underlines the need for better stewardship and care of our earth.

Isaiah 65:17 reminds us –

“For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth; And the former things will not be remembered or come to mind “

This text does not necessarily need to be read through exclusive Apocalyptic lenses. We have the responsibility, you and I, to care for the home where we reside. This means not only doing appropriate activities that will renew existing resources, but also working for policy and electing people who will support, defend and safe guard the future of our planet.