Information about climate change

Annual global average temperatures 1850 - 2018. Photo: Anglican Alliance/Elizabeth Perry

Here you will find links to information about climate change, fact-checking sites and examples of Christian scientists talking and writing about climate change.

The Science
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) is the United Nations body for assessing the science related to climate change. It was created “to provide policymakers with regular scientific assessments on climate change, its implications and potential future risks, as well as to put forward adaptation and mitigation options”. The IPCC prepares both comprehensive Assessment Reports and Special Reports on specific topics. Thousands of people from across the world contribute to the reports, which are key inputs into the negotiations to tackle climate change.

Tipping Points
An urgent concern in the scientific community is the danger of going past ‘tipping points’, which would lead to run-away worsening impacts. This was discussed in a briefing paper in the foremost scientific journal Nature: Climate Tipping Points 27.11.2019. The authors conclude that we are in “a state of planetary emergency” and that “the stability and resilience of our planet is in peril. International action — not just words — must reflect this”.

Outrage and Optimism
For weekly expert comment on climate change news, interesting insights and interviews with key people, the podcast Outrage and Optimism is superb. Hosted by the former UN Chief Christiana Figueres and the team who were key to the 2015 Paris Agreement.

Fact Checking
Climate change denial is still widespread. Check out myths and facts here: Skeptical Science and here: NASA.

Examples of Christian scientists talking and writing about climate change include:

Talking about faith and science
Filmed as a panel discussion and video conference hosted by Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby in March 2021, this film shares reflections about environmental issues, including climate change, from scientists, bishops, church members and practitioners from the Anglican Communion.