Do All Unitarians Believe that Climate Change is Human-made?

In recent years, the subject of climate change has become increasingly prominent in public discourse. Our Unitarian principles, or the UUA principles, guide us to respect the interdependent web of all existence, of which we are a part. This inherently includes our planet and its climate.

Many scientists assert that human activities, particularly the burning of fossil fuels and deforestation, have accelerated global warming — a significant component of climate change. These activities increase levels of greenhouse gases in our atmosphere, creating a 'greenhouse effect' that traps heat and raises the Earth's average temperature. This scientific consensus is based on a substantial body of evidence, including records of global temperatures, levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, shrinking ice caps, and rising sea levels.

However, some people question these conclusions. They argue that climate change may be a naturally occurring phenomenon, pointing out that the Earth's climate has varied throughout its history. It is indeed true that the climate has changed in the past due to natural factors like volcanic eruptions or variations in solar radiation. But the current rate of warming is unprecedented in the context of Earth's past climate record.

As Unitarians, we value open inquiry, free thought, and evidence-based understanding. This issue is no exception. Whether you agree with the scientific consensus or you're skeptical, it is our responsibility to approach this issue with curiosity, openness, and a willingness to engage in informed, respectful discussions.

Regardless of the causes, the impacts of climate change — such as extreme weather events, changes in rainfall patterns, and rising sea levels — are increasingly evident and pose significant challenges for communities around the world. It's essential for us to understand these changes, to adapt and mitigate where possible, and to contribute to the ongoing conversation about our collective response to climate change.

In essence, while we may not all share the same perspective on the causes or extent of climate change, it's clear that our planet is experiencing significant environmental shifts. As a community, our challenge is to engage. 

But if the science is correct, if it is all human made... and the governments of the worlds know it to be true, why is humanity slow with this climate nightmare? 

Well if human activity is indeed the main contributor to climate change, why aren't all countries, especially the ones with the highest carbon footprints, making more significant strides toward sustainability? To answer this question, we have to look at several complex factors.

• Economic Considerations: The countries with the highest carbon footprints are often those with the most significant industrial activities. Historically, many economies have been built on industries like manufacturing, mining, and fossil fuels. These industries are deeply embedded in these countries' economic structures, providing employment for millions and contributing significantly to GDP. Transitioning to greener solutions requires substantial investment and could potentially disrupt these industries and their dependent economies. The fear of such disruption can delay the adoption of sustainable practices.
• Infrastructure and Technological Constraints: Many countries still rely on outdated, inefficient, and high-pollution technologies due to a lack of infrastructure or resources to adopt newer, cleaner technologies. Developing and implementing this new technology can be a slow and expensive process.
• Policy and Governance: While many governments have made commitments to reduce their carbon footprints, these commitments can often be impeded by internal politics, competing interests, and policy inertia. Political will is critical to drive the substantial systemic changes required to transition to a more sustainable economy.
• Global Inequality: The effects of climate change are often most severely felt by countries that contribute the least to carbon emissions. This global inequality can create resistance among higher emitting countries to reducing their emissions, as they may not face the worst immediate impacts of climate change.

As for China, it would be accurate to assume that it is currently the world's largest emitter of greenhouse gases, largely due to its significant industrial activity and reliance on coal power. However, China has also become a world leader in the development and implementation of renewable energy technologies. The country's response highlights the complexity and contradiction often seen in countries' approaches to climate change: the balance between economic growth, energy demands, and environmental sustainability is challenging to maintain.

All these factors make the global response to climate change a complex issue. However, the urgency of the situation demands a swift response. As Unitarians and Citizens, we can advocate for change, support sustainable practices, and hold our leaders accountable for their climate commitments.

While it is the consensus among the vast majority of scientists that human activities are the primary drivers of climate change, it is also important to approach all aspects of science with an open mind and healthy skepticism. Scientific consensus is based on the best available evidence at any given time and is always open to challenge if new and compelling evidence arises.

At present, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), which assesses thousands of scientific papers published each year to provide a comprehensive view of what is currently known about the drivers of climate change, states that it is "extremely likely" that more than half of the observed increase in global average surface temperature since the mid-20th century is due to human influence. The "extremely likely" term in scientific parlance means a 95-100% probability.

However, it is valid to keep questioning and exploring the precise extent of human impact on climate change and to continue to investigate the complex interplay of natural and human-induced factors. After all, this spirit of inquiry is the foundation of scientific progress. The crucial thing is that any debate and uncertainty about these issues do not delay the urgent actions required to mitigate climate change and adapt to its impacts, which are increasingly evident and damaging around the world.