You’ve signed the petitions, swapped fast fashion for thrifted denim, learned more than you ever wanted to know about your carbon footprint — and you’ve definitely sat through at least one church service where the closest thing to climate action was compostable communion cups.
For a generation that sees creation care as a spiritual calling, the apathy in large parts of the church is as disappointing as it is infuriating. The data is in, the crisis is now and the theological excuses are tired.
The science isn’t the problem — our theology is
Young Christians overwhelmingly believe climate change is real and urgent. In fact, 85% of Gen Z says their generation spends too much time online, and a significant portion connects this digital fatigue with a longing for real-world, tangible action — especially around issues like climate change. According to Barna, Gen Z Christians want churches to care about the same things they care about, and one of those is the future of the planet they’re going to inherit.
So when some Christians dismiss climate action as a political agenda or a distraction from “more important” spiritual matters, it creates whiplash.
Dr. Katharine Hayhoe, an evangelical Christian and climate scientist, puts it like this: “Climate change isn’t just an environmental issue. It’s a human issue. It’s a moral and spiritual issue.” In her book Saving Us, she writes that if Christians truly believe in loving their neighbor, they have to recognize that climate change is already devastating the most vulnerable communities — both in the U.S. and globally.
This isn’t about subscribing to an agenda or ideology. It’s about obedience.
Jesus actually cared about the planet
If you’ve been in church long enough, you’ve probably heard Genesis 1:28 quoted to defend human “dominion” over the Earth. But dominion doesn’t mean domination. The Hebrew word implies stewardship, not exploitation — and that’s consistent with the rest of the Bible.
Genesis 2:15 says God placed Adam in the garden “to work it and take care of it.” Not destroy it. Not squeeze every last resource out of it. Just take care of it.
And while Jesus never hosted a climate rally, He constantly pointed to creation as a reflection of God’s heart. “Look at the birds of the air,” He said in Matthew 6. “They do not sow or reap … and yet your heavenly Father feeds them.” In other words: God cares deeply about the natural world — and so should we.
The parable of the talents in Matthew 25 underscores the idea of stewardship. We’ve been entrusted with resources — time, money, influence and yes, even a planet — and we’re expected to use them wisely.
So why is the modern church so slow to respond when creation itself is crying out?
Maybe it’s not ignorance. Maybe it’s convenience.
In 2023, Pew Research Center found that only 42% of highly religious Americans considered climate change a very serious problem. Among white evangelicals, it was just 34%.
But this isn’t always about denial. It’s about disinterest. As long as climate change feels like something far off — affecting someone else, somewhere else — it’s easy to stay comfortable.
The problem is, that comfort comes at a cost.
Rising sea levels, extreme heat, wildfires, food insecurity — these aren’t future threats. They’re current realities. And according to the U.N.’s most recent climate report, the window for action is rapidly closing.
Many in the church are focused on saving souls, but ignoring the fact that people’s lives are being destroyed right now because of climate inaction.
There is no mission without a livable planet
How do we love our neighbor while ignoring the fact that their home is flooding?
How do we serve the poor while supporting systems that poison their air and water?
How do we preach about the Kingdom of God while acting like the Earth doesn’t matter?
You can’t separate the Gospel from justice — and you can’t pursue justice while ignoring the environment.
“We are not God,” said the late Pope Francis in his encyclical Laudato Si’. “The Earth was here before us and it has been given to us.”
He called environmental destruction a sin and warned that indifference is a spiritual disease.
It’s time we listen.
What can we actually do?
If you’re already tired from fighting this fight, you’re not alone. But you’re also not powerless. Here’s where to channel the frustration:
- Push your church to care. Advocate for sustainability practices, or start a creation care team.
- Vote your values. Climate policy matters — and Christians should be helping shape it.
- Support climate justice organizations doing work on the ground, especially those led by frontline communities.
- Break the silence. Bring it up. In small group. At Bible study. During coffee hour.
The planet doesn’t need more climate awareness. It needs climate repentance. And then it needs action.
As followers of Jesus, we’re not just called to wait for Heaven. We’re called to reflect Heaven here and now — in how we love people, how we spend our money and yes, how we treat the Earth.
Because the Gospel isn’t just about souls. It’s about everything God called “good.” And it’s our God-given command (literally) to protect it.
