Iowa Interfaith Power & Light - Science of Global Warming

A Religious Response

Why is this a Religious Issue?

People of all religions are called to care for creation. Caring for creation is not just about protecting animals, plants, and our fellow human beings. It means respecting and sustaining the systems that make life possible. The Earth itself is a living system which has been placed in peril by our actions and inaction.

At its heart, responding to Climate Change is a matter of justice. Why? Because it is the innocent, those who contributed least to global warming, who will face its greatest consequences. This is true of future generations as well as the poorest people and countries of the world.

As people of faith we are called to a standard which exceeds our individual wants, our country, and the status quo. For this reason, it was faith communities who played a pivotal role in responding to the moral crises of slavery, poverty, and civil rights. We are now called to respond to Climate Change.

How Can We Respond?

Reduce Your Individual Greenhouse Gasses

Mahatma Gandhi once said that “You must be the change you want to see in the world.” Iowa Interfaith Power & Light is dedicated to helping people transform their lives. Our Cool Congregations workshops measure individual carbon footprints and provides simple ways to reduce them. It also provides participants with the resources they need to take the program to their home congregations. Our Energy Efficiency page offers additional tips on reducing carbon footprints and ShopIPL provides an inventory and discounts on energy saving products.

Inspire and Educate Ourselves and Others

Never doubt the difference you can make in the lives of others. Our ability to stem the tide of global warming rests not just in taking individual steps to reduce our global impact; it rests in our ability to inspire others to do likewise. We encourage everyone to have these discussions within their faith communities. Also, our newsletter and calendar provides information on climate change news and events within Iowa and throughout the nation.

Contact Your Elected Officials

While our primary goal as an organization is to help individuals and congregations, we recognize that preventing Climate Change will require massive changes in state, federal, and international policy. Our Contact Your Representatives page offers tips on writing your elected officials and joining our mailing list will enable you to receive updates on specific pieces of legislation related to Climate Change.

Help Organizations Which Fight Climate Change

This can mean time, treasure, and/or talent. Organizations like ours depend on the contributions of people like you to survive and succeed. Iowa Interfaith Power & Light is appreciative of whatever help you can give us and we always welcome your comments or suggestions.

Together we can solve climate change!