Sometime next week the population of our world will reach 8 billion. It took a long time for our ancestors to reach one billion, not until about 1804. And then only a little more than a hundred years to reach 2 billion. The growth has been exponential and with growth has come greater consumption and more intensive use of fossil fuels.
Paul Ehrlich’s prediction that population growth would lead to societal collapse has been averted thus far by resetting the clock, so to speak, through innovations such as the Green Revolution. Although the clock seems to have been reset the growth of inequity in energy policy has resulted in the 20 wealthiest countries responsible for 80% of emissions.
As a Nation we continue to let political pressures dominate our energy policy, so that politicians of both parties speak out of both sides of their mouths. Fracking? Why sure, because there’s money in spite of the health and environmental costs to a community. Pipelines? Of course, even when they cut through waterways. We reap what we sow.
Prayer for the Day
You, who summons the earth from the rising of the sun
And keeps us in your heart until the sun sets no more,
Impart to us your wisdom, immerse us in your justice
So we reflect your will and your mercy.
Engage us into conversation with the One
Who calls us to reflect your righteousness.
We ask this in the name of him who called us to justice,
Even Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
The interests behind fracking are very powerful, and they’ve managed to control the dialogue for a while because they have forced people to sign disclosure agreements; people who have had negative experiences cannot speak out because of the disclosure agreements. . . [but] the realities of what an environmental nightmare it is are beginning to be known.
- Joan Osborne, singer, songwriter, activist
I am very proud that the state of Vermont has banned fracking. I hope communities all over California and America do the same.
- Bernie Sanders, U.S. Senator, Vermont
Love righteousness, you rulers of the earth, think of the Lord in goodness
And seek God with sincerity of heart.
Wisdom of Solomon 1:1