global warming

6.13 billion. Approximately. That’s how many individuals worldwide identify with a particular religion, according to 2009 data from the CIA World Factbook. That’s about 88.54% of the total world population. It’s more than the combined populations of the world’s top ten most populous countries (that's China, India, the United States, Indonesia, Brazil, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nigeria, Russia, and Japan).

In the United States, it seems that religious perspectives on climate change issues have long been underrepresented. Religious perspectives on science and science reporting tend to be presented narrowly (if presented at all).  Mainstream media punditry generally provides us access to the scientists arguing the science, or religious leaders and institutions arguing their opposition to the science.

Science and religion, however, are more than just institutions–they are perspectives. And a little perspective can go a long way, especially when it comes to addressing global challenges (like climate change) that not only affect religious and scientific communities, but the entire world.

But how can a grouping so broad and diverse maintain a singular perspective…on anything? Where is the voice of religious communities who do accept climate change and are taking action? In the U.S. alone it can be difficult to try and figure out how many religious and spiritual organizations are working toward climate change action or interfaith conversations addressing climate change issues. But let’s take a stab at it.

Here’s a slice, a mere sample, of some local (U.S.) religious, spiritual, and interfaith organization efforts from around the country...

Perhaps the most recent sampling of religious action in environmental and climate change issues is the 2008 documentary RENEWAL. The film follows eight different religious-environmental activist groups in the United States who are “re-examining what it means to be human and how we live on this planet,” according to their website. The film project provides Christian, Muslim, Jewish, and Buddhist perspectives on climate change and environmental issues through the work of the featured organizations. 

One of the organizations featured in RENEWAL, GreenFaith, is an interfaith group based in New Jersey that’s into practicing environmental stewardship in areas like renewable energy and water conservation. GreenFaith’s AP Solar 2012 Residential Solar Campaign is one cool example of the organization’s commitment to climate change action. The program allows New Jersey residents to have their roofs screened to find out whether they qualify for a solar installation. If so, the household will then receive the installation at no cost. The homeowners will also be able to buy solar power at discounted prices.

Cultural changes (like the gradual shift toward a sustainable energy economy) often begin at a local level, and organizations like GreenFaith are certainly helping that transition along. But they aren't the only ones.....

Today we would like to remember and pay tribute to a BTLS Expert who has recently passed away. Professor Lester Lave of Carnegie Mellon University was a renowned economist and humanitarian. One of his most important legacies remains his research—the critically important research which first established a direct link between air pollution and its health impacts on humans. Lester's findings would eventually become the basis for early federal and state regulations to improve air quality in the U.S.

Lester earned his doctorate in economics from Harvard University and served eight years as head of CMU's Department of Economics. Lester was also Director of the Carnegie Mellon Green Design Institute and Co-Director of the Carnegie Mellon Electricity Industry Center. Lester first caught the attention of BTLS producers because of his integral role in energy and efficiency related research—but it was his outspoken nature and unwavering dedication to the truth that really make his presence in the documentary a standout. Interviewing Lester was truly an honor.

Lester is survived by his wife of 46 years, Judith, a professor at the School of Public Health at the University of Pittsburgh and their two children; Jonathan M. Lave of Washington, D.C., and Tamara R. Lave of Miami; and two grandsons. His family has asked that memorial contributions be made to charity.

Click here to read the New York Times’ tribute to Mr. Lave, or hit 'Read more' below to read a thoughtful account of Lester’s professional history, written for the Environmental Science and Technology journal by a few of Lester’s friends and fellow Carnegie Mellon professors; Jay Apt, Chris T. Hendrickson and M. Granger Morgan.......