Reflecting on the current state of western democracies, one realizes the scope and scale of their dysfunction. Accusations, fear, threats, investigations, lies, mistrust, and fake news are all rampant and exploited in social media worldwide. The truth is that keeping everyone at each other’s throat is a win for the agenda of those in power and for any autocratic leader. Isn’t it better to work together than to allow autocrats to achieve their own goals using fear?

Taking back our democracy will be hard work! It is our duty to learn the facts and hold elected leaders accountable for good policy choices. Thomas Jefferson spoke: “A well informed electorate is vital to our democracy”. This is not easy! Often facts do not conform to the world view of those in power. Power brokers will bury the truth and then create a new reality that meets their purpose. Quite simply, “Facts Matter” if we are to understand the climate reality of the 21st century!

FACT- abundant, cheap energy has enabled the growth of consumer economies and facilitates a materialistic culture. Western democracies all seek the economic growth that results from consumption of goods and services. Gross domestic product (GDP) and growth from consumerism is the desired outcome of high energy consumption societies.

FACT- every gallon of gasoline burned produces 20 more pounds of carbon dioxide (CO2) in our atmosphere. Some fossil fuels produce more CO2 than others. Burning natural gas produces 50-60% less CO2 than coal. However, CO2 is a byproduct of the combustion of every fossil fuel.

FACT- CO2 is a greenhouse gas that causes global warming and that presents an inconvenient truth for fossil fuel industry goals and objectives that need to show profit at the end of each quarter.

FACT- the fossil fuel industry has consistently promoted misinformation and disinformation about the impacts of global warming and the known role greenhouse gasses play in multiplying these impacts. Since excess consumption of energy from fossil fuels causes economic dislocations as a result of climate change impacts, the case for an immediate adoption and a just transition to clean renewable energy is very strong.

FACT- we now know that developing clean renewable energy like wind and solar is cheaper to develop than new coal power plants. Therefore, knowing that fossil fuels are non-renewable and that their byproduct of greenhouse gas is responsible for climate change and a multitude of other negative impacts, why would we NOT move quickly to stop all new fossil fuel projects and instead develop energy from clean, renewable sources as soon as possible?

So, I return to the current dysfunction. The contentious debate around immigration, health care, taxes and climate change serve the world view of those in power who use the fear of unknown realities to achieve goals advancing their own self-interest. Read: Philippians 2:3-4 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.

Here is where the hard work of becoming an “informed and educated” electorate sets many apart from those who consume a false narrative on how serious a threat the climate change reality presents to our world. As the frequency and intensity of storms increase, and the severity of droughts and wildfires plague ever greater areas of land, the cost of inaction becomes ever greater. The hard part here is seizing the moral imperative and engaging in actions that will save our children’s future. Read: Psalm 24 (https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm 24&version=NIV)

In closing I ask: Can you afford to help the dislocated and homeless climate refugees? Can you afford not to? Will your children have a future in the world that you are helping to create?