Climate change and its effect on the poor was the focus of a Creation Care Summit held Oct. 18 at Calvin College, Grand Rapids, Mich.
Many of the world’s poor live near an ocean and would be threatened by rising sea levels and frequent severe weather, two changes some scientists predict could result from global warming. Others depend on lakes and rivers for drinking water and agricultural irrigation.
The summit, which featured presentations and a panel discussion, drew dozens of students and members of the local community. The audience was encouraged to think about what role Christians play in climate change, as well as to consider how climate change directly affects the poor.
“We are harming others, especially the poor of the earth, and therefore this is a justice issue,” said Steve Monsma, research fellow of the Paul B. Henry Institute for the Study of Christianity and Politics at Calvin College.
Speakers presented statistics and scientific data demonstrating the effects of climate change. They also suggested ways people can reduce their carbon footprint and reduce, reuse, and recycle trash.
The event was sponsored by several organizations, including Calvin’s polical science department and the Henry Institute.
