Young Christians are calling for climate justice

To work and to take care of it (Gen 2:15), to shape the world and to enhance at the same time: This Christian duty corresponds to the model of sustainable development.

As a young Christian, I want to be a part of a church that takes seriously its mandate to protect God's creation and the vulnarable. For me, one of the most important ways to fulfill this mandate is to address climate change.

Climate change has severe impacts on people and nature in many parts of the world. Droughts and floods destroy fields and harvest, disease are spreading. We need to take strong action on climate protection to minimise the impacts of changing climate and to save God's creation. 

I take seriously Genesis 2:15, which says, "God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to till it and keep it". This verse remind us that God has given us the responsibility to act of his creation - to care for, manage, oversee and protect all that God owns. 

I am not alone but part of a powerful youth movement desiring action on climate change. Youth are not only victims of climate change but are also the harbingers of climate action.

Youth Climate Action Day is a global movement of young people concerned about climate change and global injustice. They point out opportunities for action. They learn from each other. At any place on Earth we have to face special challenges. Reduction of comsumption and waste, acting environmentally friendly and dedication to renewable energies instead of coal combustion are some of our key issues. 

I have been invited twice to talk to young Christian in the Youth Climate Action Day 2024, first at the workshop in the Role of Youth and Climate Justice on September 21-22, 2024 at Batam, Riau Islands Province, Indonesia. The activities of the Youth Climate Action Day, held by the United Evangelical Mission (UEM) Asia Region in collaboration with the Christian Protestant Church of the Batak (HKBP) District of the Riau Islands. 

The participants in this event included young people from Batam area, as well as UEM member churches. The UEM member churces show that we need ecumenical co-operation and advocacy on climate and eco-justice. For me, churches are a hope for the future of our faith and climate action response. 

For the second time around, I was invited to be the resource speaker  in the Bohol Conference Youth Fellowship (BCYF) Koinonia 2024. The BCYF Koinonia 2024 aims to inspire and empower young Christian as they gather to deepen their faith, renew their commitment to service, and reflect on the vital role they play as stewards of creation in a world facing unprecedented environmental challeges.

Youth Climate Action Day in the BCYF Koinonia 2024

This event held by the Bohol Christian Youth Fellowship in partnership with the UEM Asia Region, under the theme "TAHAS". In Cebuano, TAHAS means task, duty, or mission. TAHAS remind us our responsibility to be stewards of the Earth and to protect its resources for future generations.

TAHAS inspired more than 1000 young Christian to take responsibility for creation in the BCYF Koinonia 2024 on December 27-31, 2024 at San Miguel, Bohol, Philippines.

Youth for climate justice

Young people are not only victims of climate change. They are also valuable contributors to climate action. Young Christians are calling for climate justice in their communities, workplaces, and churches, and are working to lobby for change more widely. They believe that God has given humans a responsibility to care creation, and that human should act as stewards of the environment.

Together, we can contribute to the climate justice through adopting sustainable pratices, supporting local environmental initiatives, and pushing for stronger climate policies.

Young people from all over the world are taking part in Youth Climate Action Day. Chek out Youth Climate Action Day at climateactionday.org

Join the global climate action movement, learn more and TAKE ACTION TODAY!

Berto Sitompul is an ecopedagogical practitioner and founder of the Teaching Waste Bank, Indonesia. Teaching Waste Bank is an initiative to encourage people especiallly young generation to manage waste as part of climate change mitigation.