On Earth as in Heaven: Ecological Vision and Initiatives of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew (Orthodox Christianity and Contemporary Thought) by Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew (Author), John Chryssavgis (Editor). Over the past two decades, the world has witnessed alarming environmental degradation―climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution of natural resources ―together with a failure to implement environmental policies and a widening gap between rich and poor. This volume reveals how Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew has continually proclaimed the primacy of spiritual values in determining environmental ethics and action. 368 pages.
Greening the Orthodox Parish: A Handbook for Christian Ecological Practice, by Frederick W Krueger, Foreword by HAH Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew. Even though the Orthodox Christian Church is recognized as having a deep and profound theological understanding of the world as God’s creation, practice of this theology has been elusive. This text provides guidance on the spiritual and physical steps that are necessary for Orthodox Christians to apply their theology to ecological issues. This book includes a special foreword by His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew who introduces the challenge of greening the Church. 495 pages.
Man and the Environment: A Study of St. Symeon the New Theologian, Paperback, by Anestes G. Keselopoulos, 2001. The quest for a harmonious relationship between humanity and the environment quickens as ecological problems escalate. Irresponsible use of the environment has caused pollution, diminished natural resources, disease, famine, and new climate conditions. In response to solutions proposed by scientists, Anestis Keselopoulos discerns a theological solution put forth centuries ago by St Symeon the New Theologian. The saint addresses the misuse of material goods, and says that the human duty is to elevate creation to a state of beauty and charges humanity with the task of perceiving the Word of God within creation and bringing it fruition.
Living in God’s Creation: Orthodox Perspectives on Ecology, by Elizabeth Theokritoff, 2009. Few Christians realize how ecological the vision of Orthodox Christianity really is. It portrays creation as God’s epiphany and the human person as a connecting link between creation and Creator. The love of Christ is manifest through the right use of material things. To communicate this vision, Elizabeth Theokritoff draws on ancient sources, the Fathers, the liturgy, and saints’ lives, on modern commentators, and on practical examples from our lived experience. The thematic arrangement makes it a convenient resource for teachers. It is compelling reading, and demonstrates that environmental concerns have deep roots in Christian tradition. 265 pages.
Creation as Sacrament: Reflections on Ecology and Spirituality, by John Chryssavgis, Paperback, June 27, 2019. John Chryssavgis explores the sacred dimension of the natural environment, and the significance of creation in the theological history and spiritual classics of the Orthodox Church, through the lens of its unique ascetical, liturgical and mystical experience. The global ecological crisis affecting humanity’s air, water, and land, as well as the planet’s flora and fauna, has resulted in manifest on the image of God in creation. Chryssavgis examines the possibility of restoring the shattered image of creation through the sacramental lenses of cosmic transfiguration, cosmic interconnection, and cosmic reconciliation. 220 pages.
Cosmic Grace, Humble Prayer: The Ecological Vision of the Green Patriarch Bartholomew I – July 1, 2003, by Bartholomew I, Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople. John Chryssavgis (Editor), John Zizioulas (Foreword). Cosmic Grace, Humble Prayer presents the powerful ecological vision of Patriarch Bartholomew, drawing together a collection of his church statements and occasional addresses. These statements highlight particular themes and points of interest. In addition, this collection provides substantial introduction to the initiatives of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew that invite readers into the unparalleled environmental perspectives of the Orthodox Church.
Eastern Orthodox Christianity and Animal Suffering, by Christine Nellist | Nov 1, 2018, Hardcover. This book is the first academic work in Eastern Orthodox theological literature on the subject of animal suffering and human soteriology. It represents a natural progression of contemporary Orthodox academic debate on the environment, and will be of interest not only to scholars in theology, religion, philosophy and ethics, but also to the wider Christian and secular communities. Using Biblical and Patristic teachings, together with new social science research, it presents arguments that animal suffering is against Gods Will, and that the abuse or misuse of animals or indifference to animal suffering will result in negative consequences for human salvation.
Toward an Ecology of Transfiguration: Orthodox Christian Perspectives on Environment, Nature, and Creation (Orthodox Christianity and Contemporary Thought) by Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew (Author, Preface), John Chryssavgis and Bruce V. Foltz (Editors), Bill McKibben (Foreword, Contributor). Can Orthodox Christianity offer spiritual resources uniquely suited to the environmental concerns of today? This book makes the case that it can indeed. In addition to being the first substantial collection of essays, in any language, to address environmental issues from the Orthodox point of view, this volume will engage a wide audience, resonating not only with Orthodox audiences but also with all those in search of a fresh approach to environmental theory and ethics
Michael R. Bloomberg and Carl Pope, Climate of Hope: How Cities, Businesses and Citizens Can Save the Planet, St. Martin’s Griffin, New York, 2017. This was a New York Times bestseller. Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Carl Pope develop a manifesto on how the benefits of taking action on climate change are concrete, immediate, and immense. They explore climate change solutions that will make the world healthier and more prosperous.
Mary Guay and Jennifer FitzGerald, CLIMATE CHANGE: Our Children Are in Danger, January, 2014. If you only do a quarter of the actions suggested in this book, you can save money and lose weight, says Mary Guay. “I am on a mission to provide facts so people can make informed choices. My purpose is to keep our children and grandchildren from harm.” One reviewer ended with this note, “It has a strong message that is timely, and I look forward to buying a copy for everyone I know.”
James Hansen, “Storms of My Grandchildren: The Truth about the Coming Climate Catastrophe and Our Last Chance to Save Humanity,” Bloomsbury Publ., New York, 2009. In Storms of My Grandchildren, Hansen speaks out with the full truth about global warming: The planet is hurtling rapidly to a climatic point of no return. In explaining the science of climate change, Hansen paints a devastating, but all-too-realistic picture of what will happen in our children’s and grandchildren’s lifetimes if we follow the course we’re presently on.
Katherine Hayhoe with Andrew Farley, “A Climate for Change: Global Warming Facts for Faith-based Decisions,” Faith Words Publ., New York, Boston, 2009. Most Christian lifestyle or environmental books focus on how to live in a sustainable and conservational manner. This book shows why Christians should be living that way, and the consequences of doing so. This book explains the science underlying global warming, its impact on human activities and how Christian faith should play a significant role in guiding our opinions and actions on this issue.
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), Climate Change 2014 – Impacts, Adaptation and Vulnerability: Volume 1, Global and Sectoral Aspects: Fifth Assessment Report. This Fifth Assessment forms the standard scientific reference for all those concerned with the environmental and social consequences of climate change. It provides peer-reviewed material for decision makers and stakeholders at all levels of government and the private sector worldwide.
Michael Mann and Lee Kump, “Dire Predictions: Understanding Climate Change,” DK Books, 2015. These respected scientists provide a visual guide to the most recent report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). Using a variety of graphics, illustrations, and charts, they present the truth about global warming in a way that’s both accurate and easy to understand. This is a great tool for anyone who wishes to plunge into a deeper understanding of global warming.
Frederick W. Krueger, A Photo Primer on GLOBAL CLIMATE CHANGE for Young Adults: Facing the Great Challenge of Our Generation. This pictorial guide to climate change is designed for those who wish a simple, non-technical overview of global climate change. Through a series of one-page issue summaries, this handbook examines the causes, consequences and solutions to climate change. It also provides a high school level examination of how climate change is understood the materials published by government, university and other peer reviewed studies.
Bill McKibben, editor, “GWR: The Global Warming Reader,” OR Books, New York, 2011. With the rise of extreme weather worldwide , global warming is increasingly difficult to deny. What is happening to our planet? And what can we do about it? The Global Warming Reader provides more than 35 leaders who answer these burning questions. The Global Warming Reader is a comprehensive resource, expertly edited by someone who lives and breathes this defining issue of our time.
National Academy of Sciences, “Climate Change: Evidence and Causes,” National Academy of Sciences Publishing, Washington, DC, 2014. This is a jointly produced publication of the US National Academy of Sciences and The Royal Society. Climate Change makes clear what is well-established and where understanding is developing. It builds upon the history of climate work as well as on the newest climate-change assessment from the UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.
Joseph Romm, “Climate Change: What Everyone Needs to Know,” Oxford University Press, New York, 2016. This is an essential primer on what will be the defining issue of our time. Climate Change is a clear-eyed overview of the science, conflicts, and implications of our warming planet. It offers user-friendly, scientifically rigorous answers to the most difficult questions surrounding climate change as a “clear and present danger to civilization.”
U.S. Department of Commerce, Climate Science Special Report: U.S. Fourth National Climate Assessment, Washington, DC, February 2018. The Trump Administration’s new congressionally mandated report on global climate change is full of alarming news. Confirming that humans are responsible for the rise in global temperatures, this report anticipates even more dramatic temperature rise and enormous impact to sea levels, extinction rates, and other natural consequences. For anyone interested in the unanimous consensus of the U.S. Government’s scientists across seventeen different agencies, this report is indispensable.
US Global Change Program, Impacts of Climate Change on Human Health in the United States: A Scientific Assessment, US Govt Printing Office, February, 2018. This report summarizes scientific data in an accessible fashion for the general public. As global climate change proliferates, so too do the health risks associated with the changing world around us. This report was assembled by experts from eight federal agencies, and provides a comprehensive report on the health risks.
Useful Science Websites On Climate Change
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
https://climate.nasa.gov/
NASA’s website brings the science of climate change and sustainability to life, providing clear explanations for the big questions in climate science. Targeting a range of ages from upper-elementary-aged children through to college and beyond.
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change was formed in 1988 by the United Nations Environment Programme and the World Meteorological Organization, to assess the state of scientific knowledge about the human role in climate change
Union of Concerned Scientists | Global Warming
www.ucsusa.org/global-warming and https://www.ucsusa.org/global-warming
The Union of Concerned Scientists puts independent science to work to solve our planet’s most pressing problems. Joining with citizens across the country, we combine technical analysis and advocacy to create innovative, practical solutions for a healthy, safe, and sustainable future.
The National Academy of Sciences
The National Academy of Sciences (NAS) is a United States nonprofit, non-governmental organization. NAS is part of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine.
The National Oceanic and Admospheric Administration (NOAA) http://www.noaa.gov/climate
From supercomputers and state-of-the-art models to observations and outlooks, we provide data, tools, and information to help people understand and prepare for climate variability and change.
EcoAmerica on climate change
https://ecoamerica.org/
ecoAmerica builds institutional leadership, public support, and political will for climate solutions. ecoAmerica reaches millions of Americans from all walks of life through a rapidly growing network of 200+ mainstream institutions and leaders from outside the traditional environmental movement.
Citizens’ Climate Lobby
The goal of CCL is to build political support across party lines to put a price on carbon, specifically a revenue neutral carbon fee and dividend (CF&D) at the national level.
350.org
Bill McKibben, founder, says we are standing up to the fossil fuel industry to stop all new coal, oil and gas projects and build clean energy for all. You are welcome to join us in our work.