Those who grew up watching Star Trek, or have seen its reruns, will remember the phrase: "Space: the final frontier". Actually space is not really the final frontier. The Guardian (27 September 2021) reports: "humanity knows more about deep space than the deep ocean". The context of this statement is worth examining because it involves a new and serious threat to our planet: " In late June, the island republic of Nauru informed the International Seabed Authority (ISA) based in Kingston, Jamaica of its intention to start mining the seabed in two years’ time via a subsidiary of a Canadian firm, The Metals Company (TMC, until recently known as DeepGreen). Innocuous as it sounds, this note was a starting gun for a resource race on the planet’s last vast frontier: the abyssal plains that stretch between continental shelves deep below the oceans. " (Guardian, 27 September) ( LINK ) The article goes on to quote "Louisa Casson, an oceans campaigner at Greenp...
In a world where large corporations make millions with products that damage the environment, it is difficult to find a way to protest that will make the corporate leaders pay sufficient attention to change their behaviour. Damaging property is not something that the church supports, but we can understand the frustration that leads concerned people to take unusual actions in order to bring attention to the problem. The Guardian reported on the trial of a set of Extinction Rebellion protesters who: "...deliberately sprayed graffiti or smashed windows of the Shell building in Belvedere Road, central London, on 15 April 2019." One of the protesters, "quoted Sir David Attenborough and former archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams in his evidence." "He said: “I believe if I don’t do whatever I can to protect our Earth, to protect life on this Earth, to stop the death and injury that is and will be happening, I’m committing a crime, a really serious crim...
Plastic is everywhere in our lives, but it is not necessary to use plastic for Christmas decorations. Prior centuries enjoyed many degradable ornaments for their Christmas trees. Perhaps the most common natural ornaments are made from popcorn strings with dried fruit such as cranberries or cherries for colour. Candles were traditional lighting decorations too, but anyone using candles needs to be aware of the fire danger. A dry tree poses special risks, and a nearby fire extinguisher is a good precaution, but proper care reduces the risk: spraying the needles of the tree with water can help, and placing the candles away from other boughs. Above all, care is needed, but the effort is well worthwhile to help to preserve God's creation. Thanks to Oskar and Rachel for the suggestion!
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