Youth vs. age. It’s conflict that has been going on for years, if not centuries. Young people are more geared for change while many of us older folks aren’t too sure since this is the only world and way of life we’ve known. A recent Pew Trust poll confirmed the age disparity on change regarding the climate crisis we face.
Perhaps it’s not so surprising that even more than the age disparity is the political disparity. While 9 in 10 Democrats and Independents support policies that would make us carbon neutral by 2050 – that’s 27 years away -- most older Republicans oppose those policies. Of course, most of us will be long gone by that point.
What is it that makes so many older people reluctant to embrace such policies? A fear that lifestyles will have to change? A fear of loss of comfort? We need to develop a politics of generosity rather than one of scarcity. Responding to the climate crisis we all face is like the magic penny song: holding it tight means we won’t have any. In order to change means we must transform ourselves into a truly caring people.
Prayer for the Day
O God of tenderness and compassion, we are often bewildered,
For we see violence and callousness toward one another;
Afflicted by our careless acts of selfishness against the Earth,
We are sometimes confused, uncertain of the goals we set.
Save us from our false pride that admits no wrong,
And teach us humility and a new simplicity.
In the name of the One who shows us how to live,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
But the fossil fuel industry and its enablers have a special responsibility. Yet for every dollar it spends on oil and gas drilling and exploration, only four cents went to clean energy and carbon capture combined. Trading the future for 30 pieces of silver is immoral.
- Antonio Guterres, UN Secretary-General
If we do not [phase out fossil fuels], it will be a death sentence for countless people… We are rushing towards the cliff. We could trigger feedback loops that are beyond human control …
- Greta Thunberg, climate activist
Seek the Lord and live, or God will break out against the house of Joseph like fire,
And it will devour Bethel, with no one to quench it.
Amos 5: 6