Home Page: www.eco-justice.org * E-mail: ministry@eco-justice.org
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In September, 2007, the Wyoming Association of Churches and the Wyoming Conservation Voters Education Fund co-sponsored a conference, On Sacred Ground: Faith and the Environment.
On the second evening of the conference, Rev. Peter Sawtell, the Executive Director of Eco-Justice Ministries, delivered a lengthy and challenging keynote address, Is Our Vision Up to the Challenge? That statement was not intended to be an introduction to themes of religion and the environment, but was targeted for religious and environmental leaders in Wyoming. In the keynote, Rev. Sawtell affirms the need for all possible technological and political means to reduce global warming and other ecological crises. He is not optimistic, however, that those approaches will be sufficient. He points to the need for a change in human self-understanding, and for an affirmation of abundance (satisfaction within limits) instead of a quest for affluence. This document provides a brief summary of that address. The full text of the keynote address is available in a PDF document. A PDF of this summary is also available. |
Opening – The title question has two factors that have to be addressed before an answer can be given. What is the challenge, and what is our vision? Several options for each will be considered.
Defining the Challenge – The general challenge is the broad ecological threat described in the UN's Millenium Assessment Report ("Human activity is putting such strain on the natural functions of Earth that the ability of the planet's ecosystems to sustain future generations can no longer be taken for granted.") Global warming is only one symptom of this ecological overload.
Business as Usual – There are those who say that nothing dramatic should be done in the face of this challenge. For example, economist George Reisman said that "global warming should simply be accepted as a byproduct of economic progress and that life should go on as normal in the face of it." The Bush administration is making the same point implicitly when saying that actions will be taken to address climate change only if they do not harm the economy or the "American way of life."
Small Steps – Most people do acknowledge the need to take some action in addressing "the challenge." One vision is that small steps will make a difference – change light bulbs and adjust the thermostat a few degrees. These small steps are not adequate to the challenge. A British study was quoted saying that the "small actions" suggestions are very common, and often paired with an alarmist description of the climate problem. The asymmetry of the two statements can be disempowering.
Technical Options – A larger vision calls for more substantial options, such as expanded use of alternative energy sources and fuel efficient transportation. However, recent projections from Colorado show that anticipated increases in energy consumption will outstrip the new energy provided by alternative sources, and that urban sprawl will overwhelm fuel efficiency. This vision is not up to the challenge.
Dramatic Responses – Much more dramatic responses are considered, such as the call from Al Gore to reduce US carbon emissions 90% by 2050. Multiple strategies would be used to trim carbon emissions in many areas. If everything goes right, it might be possible to stabilize US emissions. But the problem is named that much of the rest of the world would still aspire to the US standard of living. If billions more people adopted this standard of living, it would be impossible to stabilize the climate, or address other parts of the challenge. If others around the world were prevented from living like people in the US, there would be a crisis of social justice. Even this strong vision is not adequate for the challenge.
| – None of these visions, none of these approaches to solving the problem, are adequate. – |
Re-Defining the Problem – The problem, the challenge, is re-defined as one of human values and expectations, rather than technical solutions for managing resources and the environment. There is something wrong with the way of life in the "overdeveloped" countries. The values and expectations of the world's most affluent must be addressed.
Prophetic Imagination – Biblical scholar Walter Brueggemann is the primary source for a discussion about whether we are able to even imagine that another way of life is possible and attractive. "Along with alternative energy, we need an alternative vision."
Multiple Sources for this Vision – The need and possibility for a different social vision does not come only from the Judeo-Christian tradition. It is also found in transformative voices in many other faith traditions, and from secular advocates for change.
Abundance Instead of Affluence – The key shift in perspective affirms abundance (finding joy and satisfaction with "enough") instead of affluence and wealth. A vision which calls for a change in our values is affirmed as "up to the challenge."
Examples to Ground Our Imagination – A few contemporary examples were highlighted where abundance and sufficiency, or quality of life instead of quantity, are already affirmed as personal and social goods. Examples included the voluntary simplicity movement, local and organic food, and hospice care.
The Role of Churches – Churches in the US can confess that they have been seduced by the American way of life, but that the current crisis reminds us that this is not a "blessed way of life." The deep roots of our faith call us to abundance.
Summary & Conclusion – None of the normal visions – of business as usual, of simple steps, of technical advances, or even of dramatic changes – are sufficient to the challenge, because they do not recognize that our "industrial society" is inherently unsustainable. We can, however, claim a different vision of abundance that will guide us toward a more just, sustainable and joyous world. That is the vision which is up to the challenge.