The Ocean is Rising, So Are We
Dr George Zachariah, Wesley Lecturer in Theological Studies at Trinity Methodist Theological College
We are in Advent season, a time of waiting. For the children of Tuvalu and Kiribati, life itself is an expectant waiting. Their lament of ‘We’re sinking. Enough sleeping. Do something now’ reverberates around the Pacific atolls. It is a wake-up call for all of us, inviting us to do something now to save the earth and her children from climate catastrophe.
The ecological crisis is a crisis of injustice. Yet, mainstream environmentalism tends to simplify the ecological crisis into changes in the weather patterns and the extinction of different species. Since human beings are the culprits who have created this crisis, we are told that we can fix this problem through lifestyle changes and technology. We do not investigate the practices of oppression, inequality, and marginalisation prevalent in our society. Our feelgood environmentalism will not prevent the ecological crisis.
In contrast, indigenous engagement with the ecological crisis interprets the crisis as the consequence of the colonisation of the land, water, and the atmosphere. This has resulted in the alienation of indigenous communities from their resources. The concept of ecological justice reminds us that that the distress of the planet and people is a systemic problem, and that ecological restoration is not possible without economic justice, racial justice, and gender justice. Those who are least responsible for the climate crisis are bearing its gravest consequences. Settler colonialism, capitalism, racism, and patriarchy are intrinsically connected with the ecological injustice that we experience today.
The ecological crisis is also a crisis of faith. The Christian faith, particularly our scripture, has been used by some to legitimise practices which are harmful to the earth. The first creation story, narrated in the book of Genesis, is used conveniently to reduce God’s beautiful creation into commodities for corporate plunder. The ecological crisis is also explained by some Christians as God’s plan and God’s punishment for our sins. So, it is important for us to reclaim our scripture and faith in the context of the ecological crisis that we face today. Creation is a web of life which celebrates interdependence, relationships and mutual resources. The vocation of human beings in this community of creation is ‘to till and to keep’ the earth. Our ecological vocation is more than mere recycling and veganism. It is a call to engage in God’s mission.
While the Global North has contributed disproportionately to the climate crisis, the Global South continues to suffer from environmental catastrophes. Global negotiations on climate change are led by the wealthiest developed nations. It is the polluters and colonizers of the earth who decide which communities are worth protecting and saving. This is the context in which the children of Tuvalu are chanting: ‘We’re sinking. Enough sleeping. Do something now.’ How would we respond to their cry? Let us affirm our solidarity with these children by living out the slogan of the Student Strikes for Climate movement: ‘The ocean is rising and so are we.’
George Zachariah will be speaking at 7.30pm on Thursday 17 February as part of USPG's Keeping Faith in Science? series. 
How does Christian faith speak into current debates about health sciences, technology, the climate crisis or distributive justice? Every Thursday in February 2022 at 7.30pm (UTC), USPG will be facilitating discussions on these important areas with theologians, scientists, church leaders, ordinands and lay leaders.
Register to be a part of these informative, interactive webinars where you will join with participants from across the Anglican Communion.