Today is Sun Day, no, not just Sunday, a day in the week, but a day organized by people who want to encourage the use of solar power, a renewable energy source. No question, solar is one way not to use fossil fuels. It’s incredibly cheaper, too. My bill this past month was $45.85, and I only have partial solar because I have trees on the north side of the house. Before solar it was $300 monthly without air conditioning.
This week the National Academy of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine published the results of a study indicating that greenhouse gases threaten public health because they cause intense heat waves, changes in temperature and rainfall patterns, and less water availability for growing crops.
And, what’s the response of the EPA? An order to the researchers on water to stop publishing their results until two non-science political appointees have reviewed them. In July the EPA said it would dismantle the Office of Research and Development. Figure it this way: if you don’t know the heat will kill you, then obviously when it does, it didn’t.
Prayer for the Day
You who made the stars in the night sky and turns deep night into morning,
Brightening our days with the sun, and summons the waters of the sea
Pouring them out onto the surface of the earth,
We stand in awe before your creation from the tiny sand crab at the shore
To the giant whales that grace the sea. Let us not be so consumed
With our own lives that we miss the glory of all that is around us.
In the name of the One who offers us a new vision of your glory,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
This study was undertaken with the ultimate aim of informing the E.P.A., following its call for public comments, as it considers the status of the endangerment finding.
Shirley Tighman, emeritus professor molecular biology, Princeton University
Science is not supposed to be political. Science is supposed to transcend politics and inform decision-making at the EPA.
Kyla Bennett, Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility
O Lord, who may abide in your tent? Who may dwell on your holy hill?
Those who walk blamelessly and do what is right,
And speak the truth from their heart;
Who do not slander with their tongue, and do no evil to their friends,
Nor take up a reproach against their neighbors,
In whose eyes the wicked are despised,
But those who honor those who fear the Lord, who stand by their oath even to their hurt;
Who do not lend money at interest, and do not take a bribe against the innocent.
Those who do these things shall never be moved.
Psalm 15