Climate Science

I think that it is dangerous for Christians to announce that they know what science is saying because they have found a scientist that supports their point of view. Some scientists are popular with Christians because they like what they are saying, but that does not mean that it is true. Cherry-picking a scientist whose message you like and assuming that you have arrived at the truth is a dangerous game. We don’t get to the truth just by listening to voices that we like.

I get nervous about scientists on both sides of the climate change debate who are excessively certain about their claims. I really worry about those who mock other scientists by saying “they don’t get it”. I prefer scientists who are a little bit humble.

The climate is far more complicated than most scientists realise. Their models are often too restrictive to represent the climate accurately. If their models were fully reliable, they would be able to predict what the climate will be like a year ahead, but they can’t, so I presume their models are not that accurate. Therefore, we should take the claims on both sides of the debate with a grain of salt.

Christians should be careful about saying to people that climate change is true or not true. The reality is that we don’t know. Rather they should be seeking the wisdom of God about how we should live in this season. If we get his wisdom, we will be prepared for the future, regardless of what happens to the climate.

The climate change advocates have exaggerated the situation over many years (presumably to scare people into action) but that does not mean they are wrong about everything. They could be partly right, so we must not bury our heads in the sand.

One thing is certain. The economic development of the world and our use of fossil fuels to support rampant consumerism over the last 200 years has been a reckless and irresponsible use of the planet God gave to us. So, it would not be surprising if we have done serious harm to the climate.

My position about the climate is that we don’t know. I think it is foolish to say that the climate people are totally wrong. Nor will I panic about the future. But I do think that we must be more serious about living more simply and less materialistically in obedience to God.

More at Climate Change.