The following information has been developed by Nathan Peterson, under the authority of the National Environmental Trust. 

Endangered Species and Biodiversity

Job 12:7-10
But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds of the air, and they will tell you; or speak to the earth, and it will teach you, or let the fish of the sea inform you.  Which of all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this?  In his hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all humanity.    

Enacted in 1973, the Endangered Species Act (ESA) is one of the most effective environmental laws the United States has ever implemented.  It represents a commitment in America to work together to protect and restore plant and animal species that are most at risk of extinction.

The ESA provides common sense and balanced solutions for government agencies, landowners, and concerned citizens to protect and restore endangered species and their habitat.  It is based on three key elements-listing species as threatened or endangered, designating habitat essential for their survival and recovery, and ultimately restoring healthy populations of the species so they can be removed from the list.  

The ESA works, with citizen involvement, to preserve not only large and charismatic species-grizzly bears and bald eagles-but those that are small equally unique, and beautiful, such as southwestern willow flycatchers and small whorled pogonias.  The far-sighted vision of the Endangered Species Act is that all these species will not merely survive in the sterile confines of man-made zoos, but thrive on the Earth in natural environments as God intended. 

"We are the generation of choice.  We still have a choice to halt the destruction, the ravaging of the earth.  We are the generation that could stand in harm's way and be those who preserve God's creation for future generations."
The Reverend Joan Campbell, General Secretary, National Council of Churches of Christ

Global Warming 

Ezekiel 34: 17, 18
As for you, my flock?Is it not enough for you to feed on good pasture?  Must you also trample the rest of your pasture with your feet?  Is it not enough for you to drink clean water?  Must you also muddy the rest with your feet?

Global Warming is perhaps the most significant environmental problem facing the world today.  Greenhouse gas levels are increasing in the atmosphere because of human activities, and are changing the composition of the atmosphere and warming the earth.  Climate scientists agree that human activities such as the burning of fossil fuels contribute to the problem.  

Scientists have predicted the phenomenon of global warming for decades.  Unfortunately, some of the adverse impacts from global warming that they also predicted are starting to occur around the world, including, increased drought, more natural disasters like tornadoes and hurricanes, rising ocean temperatures, reductions in mountain cover and others.  

As good stewards of the world which God has left for us, it is necessary to work toward a stable climate that prevents such disastrous events, while respecting and preserving our natural environment. 
 

"The adoption of statements on the environment by church councils and assemblies is important.  But unless every local congregation actually carries out sound environmental practices in its buildings and in the homes of the members, these statements are worthless.  Care of the earth-our mandate from the Creator-is the responsibility of us all."The Reverend Dr. Herbert W. Chilstrom, Bishop, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

To view the ACC/SD position on environmental concerns click [here]