A Christian Perspective and a Call to Action (cont.)
By Senior Pastor Tri Robinson

The Problem and the Reason for Alarm

Fossil fuel has been an amazing gift from God, but it is running out.
As we all know, gas and fossil fuel are non-renewable energy resources. These resources have provided mankind with transportation for 100 years, heated our homes and businesses, and provided us with plastics, synthetics and a plethora of valuable commodities. These resources have allowed mankind to advance from the horse and buggy era to space travel. But they are rapidly running out and can never be replenished. The truth of the matter is – fuel is too valuable to simply burn up in combustible engines because it has many other useful qualities. What is left should be preserved for future generations to use wisely.

Today, oil and gas provide more than half of the world’s energy supply, and according to the International Energy Agency, they – along with coal – will continue to be the major sources of energy well into the 21^st century. The problem is that production is now declining in 33 of the 48 largest oil-producing countries. OPEC produces about 40% of the world’s oil while North America and the North Sea have been on a gradual decline. Although North America has been one of the greatest oil users in the world, it depends upon and competes for Middle East reserves. A new problem is now arising as more nations are beginning to experience economic growth, therefore becoming global competitors for remaining reserves. Both China and India are rapidly developing into economic global strengths, demanding all of the commodities that the other developed nations have been enjoying for the past 100 years. Together, they house huge populations and are now strong competitors for these valuable markets. Depleting supplies and heavier competition is already putting stress on the cooperation and harmony of affluent nations. At the present rate the world will consume 40% more oil in 20 years, while extraction is becoming more difficult and more expensive. It is not difficult to recognize the potential conflict these demands will cause for nations that are dependent on fossil fuel for survival.

The earth’s population is growing and the poor will be the first to suffer.
The earth’s population is exponentially growing and is a very important part of the energy equation. Consider the fact that it took from the time of the garden in Genesis 2 until 1802 for the world to reach its first billion people. Its second billion was noted in 1927, taking a little over 100 years to double. The third billion mark came in the beginning of the teen years of the Boomer generation (1961) and was doubled again before their retirement age in 1999. Today, the world’s population is 6.4 billion and is expected to reach 10 billion in our children’s lifetime. Current projections estimate a population of 9 billion by 2050. While it took some 5000 years to reach its first billion, the world’s population has tripled in the past 72 years, doubling in the last 38 years alone. As energy depletes and populations begin to threaten these very valuable non-renewable resources, issues such as mandatory abortion and euthanasia will seem a logical course of action for a non-God-fearing world.

Over 80% of the world’s population lives in underdeveloped and developing nations. Nearly four out of five people in the world are considered poor, existing on incomes less than 10 U.S. dollars a day. The availability of affordable fuel will be crucial in order to raise their standard of living. If we are to be a voice for the poor we must become outspoken on the issue of energy.

It is said that energy is the key driver of a nation’s economic progress; it is our “national capital”. Growing populations and demands will continue to put stress on our ability to obtain these commodities and thus will threaten the security of our future generations.

Whether or not global warming is being caused by the emissions of fossil fuel, the overuse of these vital nonrenewable resources must be addressed. The Church must see the issue as critical and become a voice and a united force for change and reformation.

Misuse of fossil fuels affects our water and air rendering the world an unhealthy habitat for humans, plants and animals to exist.
The air quality in America’s major cities has been improving over the years due to major efforts of filtering, burning lower sulfur fuels and higher restrictions and standards. All of these efforts that have come about due to environmental concern have unquestionably improved things. In spite of this, the quality of the air we breathe and water we drink is declining in our country. Over the past century, worldwide water withdrawals have increased almost twice as fast as the rising rate of population growth. In many places withdrawal has exceeded recharge capacity. When water is extracted for industrial use, agriculture use, oil and gas extraction, heat exchangers in refineries and nuclear power plants, it is not being returned to aquifers in a pure form. This has caused the quality of global water (and thus the quality of life) to diminish. Presently 10% of all known plant species are under the threat of extinction due to the loss of wetlands and damaged ecosystems. Acid rain, which primarily is the result of polluted emissions from power plants, is slowly poisoning lakes, rivers and water storage systems. Approximately 80% of deaths in developing nations (killing a child every 8 seconds - 2.1 million people annually) result from diseases caused by poor water qualities. Again, it is the poor who seem to suffer the most.

As Christians we must recall what Jesus communicated in Matthew 25 where he shares his heart for the poor and our responsibility to them. He said, “I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink.” and “As you did it to the least of these (gave the poor water and food) you did it to me (You did it unto God)”. Reflecting on this, it is only fair to say that he would have us provide a quality of water that wouldn’t threaten the very existence of people through disease.