New pressure to address global warming has come from an unexpected quarter. Eighty-six evangelical-Christian leaders recently signed a statement urging federal action on the problem. As part of their Evangelical Climate Initiative, the leaders have a television and radio campaign, along with informational events at churches and colleges. Among the group's many prominent leaders is Rick Warren, pastor of a California mega-church and author of the best-selling The Purpose-Driven Life.
In their statement, the leaders expressed fears that global warming could soon create conditions so severe, such as drought and rising ocean levels, that millions could die. They stressed the Christian message that believers are called upon to be stewards of the earth.
The evangelical voice on this issue is welcome, for many reasons. Millions of followers will take seriously what this group has to say. Also, evangelical Christians, often seen as pro-business, form a significant part of the president's base. Ever since he was first elected, President Bush has been unwilling to do much on global warming. Now, it will be harder for him to ignore the issue.
Not all evangelicals back the initiative. James Dobson, founder of Focus on the Family, and others have objected that there is still not a consensus on the problem. Efforts to reduce greenhouse gases, these opponents argue, could increase energy costs, hurting the poor especially.
http://www.pressofatlanticcity.com/opinion/syndicated/story/3295681p-12144729c.html
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