Advocating for the environment can feel daunting because the problem is so complex. It is easy to simplify environmental advocacy by putting it into its own box. Policies that address the climate directly, like protecting biodiversity, increasing renewable energy, and reducing our use of fossil fuels are all beneficial, but they are not the only ways to approach environmental stewardship and creation care.
Environmental stewardship has an impact on racial justice, Indigenous rights, farming practices, budget proposals, migration, and global conflict. We are a part of God’s creation, and as such we cannot separate ourselves from our environment.
Because of this, we look at the environmental impacts of policies that can feel, at first, unrelated to climate policies. Environmental justice is a core component of racial justice. Conflict, such as the war in Ukraine, has an impact on agriculture, food insecurity, and energy use and access. Nutrition programs and funding are directly connected to agricultural practices and sustainable farming methods. When looking at the migration crisis, we must remember how climate change is exacerbating all other issues. The environment is a part of everything and is included in so much of our advocacy work beyond just what is labeled creation care.
We must ensure that our politicians understand just how interconnected the environment is with all kinds of policies. Please join our Episcopal community in asking your Senators and Representative to include environmental stewardship throughout all their legislative efforts.
Additional Resources:
Environmental General Convention Resolutions
General Convention Resolutions
2022-A088: Re-Commit to Addressing Global Climate Change and Environmental Justice
2018-B027: Encourage Gender-Inclusive Responses to Climate Changes
2018-D007: Support Disaster Relief, Recovery, and Prevention
2018-D081: Call for Community Development Efforts and Government Policy Initiatives to Address Transition to Clean Energy
2015-A091: Advocate for a Just Food System
2000-D005: Oppose Environmental Racism