Stewardship of Creation: German Activists Call for Climate Justice Amid Political Divisions
On Friday, German activists gathered in Berlin to draw attention to the critical issue of climate change, an area they feel has been overshadowed by discussions on immigration and economic concerns during the current election campaign. With banners proclaiming “Vote for Climate Justice,” thousands united under the belief that caring for God's creation should take precedence.
As Christians, we recognize that the earth is a gift from God, and it is our responsibility to be good stewards of His creation. As protestor Fabian Pensel noted, “The future of our planet is very important and far too little is said about it.” This sentiment resonates with the call in Scripture to care for our environment and those who are affected by its degradation.
In recent years, Germany has seen a division in public opinion regarding the necessary measures to combat climate change, particularly when it comes to the cost to households during the energy transition. The mainstream political dialogue has often shied away from prioritizing climate, focusing instead on immediate economic and social issues. This raises a concern for believers—when our focus shifts too much toward self-interest, we risk neglecting the moral imperative to protect God's creation for future generations.
The growing influence of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), which opposes green policies and targets wind turbines as “blight,” reflects a larger cultural and spiritual struggle. Christians are called to advocate for justice, including environmental justice, and not allow such important matters to be dominated by extremist views. Carla Reemtsma from “Fridays for Future” rightly reminded us that the climate crisis warrants urgent attention, stating, “We must not leave the question of climate protection policy to the right and right-wing extremists.”
The ongoing debate surrounding immigration and societal safety, especially following recent tragic events, has further complicated the landscape. However, believers are called to love and serve all individuals, regardless of their background, recognizing the inherent dignity of each person as created in the image of God.
As the campaign unfolds, leaders like Friedrich Merz express concerns about the impact of green policies on Germany’s economy. While it’s crucial to ensure a stable economy, we must not lose sight of our duty to protect the environment. The current goal of achieving climate neutrality by 2045, supported by major parties, aligns with the view that we can seek a balance between economic growth and environmental stewardship.
The shift in public sentiment regarding climate action since the last national election underscores a pressing need for renewed advocacy. Robert Habeck, the Green party’s leader, has emphasized that the upcoming vote is not just about past decisions but crucial for shaping a sustainable future. This aligns with a Christian viewpoint that our actions today should reflect our commitment to God's creation and the well-being of our neighbors.
As Christians, we must encourage one another to remain passionate about environmental stewardship and advocate for policies that honor God’s creation. As Marie Wenger poignantly stated, it is crucial to keep the fire of activism alive, reminding us that caring for the world around us is a vital expression of our faith and love for our neighbors. Together, let us take a stand for climate justice, ensuring that the conversation about our planet remains at the forefront of public discourse.