In the blockbuster documentary An Inconvenient Truth, former vice president Al Gore argued that addressing the climate crisis isn't simply a matter of political will — it's a moral obligation. Rabbi Warren G. Stone, a prominent Jewish environmental leader, addresses this same theme in an essay entitled "A Jewish Response to Climate Change," published Tuesday on PlanetSave.com. In the essay, Stone argues for environmental stewardship as an obligation of his faith, and observes that addressing climate change involves recognizing one's responsibility to future generations:

Who is responsible for responding to the challenge of global climate change? We tend to think that it is the scientist, the statesman and the environmentalist upon whom this responsibility lies. But climate change is an urgent moral and spiritual issue for all peoples of our world. We are witnessing its impact right now, and we can for see the havoc it will wreak on the health and survival of further generations. The future will bring environmental refugees in numbers unknown in previous ages. As a result of climate change and habitat destruction, a myriad of species now faces a silent genocide.

As a Rabbi and religious leader, I am concerned about our common future, the quality of life for our families and the threatened species of our world, including our own. I join fellow religious leaders in that concern. It is not enough to care about climate change, forest devastation and environmental threats to clean water, air and seas. It is incumbent upon every religious leader, religious institution and person of faith to serve as beacons to our communities, illustrating by our actions and example our spiritual commitment to our earth and it’s threatened and limited resources.

Stone also points to the efforts of his own congregation, as well as organizations such as the Coalition on the Environment and Jewish Life (CEOJL). His examples provide compelling illustrations of faith in action, and set a high standard for believers of all faiths. Let's hope his message resonates throughout the faith community.

PlanetSave.com: "A Jewish Response to Climate Change"

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