FridaysForFuture & COVID-19

The earth is the Lord’s and all that is in it,
    the world, and those who live in it;
2 for he has founded it on the seas,
    and established it on the rivers.

Psalm 24:1-2

This is Friday which means there will be public rallies in many countries challenging governments to address the climate crisis. Actually this isn't true. FridaysForFuture has been responsible and discouraged these gatherings because of the COVID-19 pandemic which has killed thousands and threatens the health of untold millions.

We should stay aware that while there is an urgency to this health crisis which we must address, the climate crisis is the greater threat. For some reason, though, governments can grasp the severity of the virus but can't comprehend what the systemic breakdown of ecosystems and catastrophic changes to weather and sea levels will mean for humanity and all other living beings -- including viruses? 

Many faith communities have taken up the cause of FridaysForFuture because they see the Earth as the marvelous work of a Creator which must be cherished and respected. As Christians ask what we might do in response to COVID-19 we can also continue our dedication to healing Creation as an act of faith. 

Here are the recommendations from the FridaysForFuture website

Listen to the science and local rules and guidelines.
Prioritise health and safety.

If striking in public with others may put your health at risk, choose other kinds of climate activism, for instance:

• emailing politicians
• posting on social media
• #DigitalStrike
• #Silentstrike anywhere
• #ClimateHowl anywhere
• put a strike sign in your window and post a photo of it on social media. #climatestrike; #fridaysforfuture.
• online zoom strike with others
• prepare future activities, thinking about what may be effective approaches

Be creative and have fun.