During all the excitement and fretting of the weeks before the election, the UN annual Biodiversity Conference was taking place in Cali, Colombia. Many of us do not realize that biodiversity is the bedrock of all life on earth losing species threatens the lives of all of us.
Attended by business, government representatives, environmental organizations and other stakeholders, such as representatives of indigenous peoples, the Conference discussed how to save habitats that affect biodiversity. US representative Brenda Mallory routed how we have saved 45 million acres, created reserves, and signed over 200 stewardship agreements with Tribal nations.
The question facing us as we head into a new administration is whether agreements and national monument designations will be respected. Every animal and plant we now have, whether black footed ferrets or the Texas poppy mallow contributes to our life here on earth. As Christians, is it not our responsibility to protect God’s creation? Let’s hope that those claiming to have Christian values believe so.
Prayer for the Day
Amazed at the infinite variety of life around us, Holy Creator,
From the smallest to the largest plants and animals of your creation;
Still caught over events of the past week, we consider uncertain futures
And pray that the oncoming winter is not one of hopelessness.
Help us to be open to your Spirit and look to the future with courage.
In the name of the One who gives us strength,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
The value of biodiversity is that it makes our ecosystems more resilient, which is a prerequisite for stable societies, its wanton destruction is akin to setting fire to a lifeboat.
Johan Rockstrom, Potsdam Institute for Climate
Biodiversity can’t be maintained by protecting a few species in a zoo, or by preserving greenbelts or national parks. To function properly, nature needs more room than that. It can maintain itself, without human expense… All it needs is to be left alone.
Donella Meadows, lead author of The Limits to Growth (1941-2001)
The earth is the Lord’s and all that is in it, the world, and those who live in it;
For God has founded it on the seas, and established it on the rivers.
Who shall ascend the hill of the Lord, and stand in God’s holy places?
Those who have clean hands and pure hearts, who do not lift their souls to falsehood.
Psalm 24: 1-4a