This week we watched the documentary “common ground” that focuses on the way regenerative agriculture can help to mitigate the negative effects of climate change.
There are so many reasons the church should be concerned with addressing climate change, working to end hunger among them. Floods, droughts, severe storms can all impact our ability to grow food. Harmful weather events is just one facet of climate change that can worsen hunger. Climate change also causes displacement, war and other conflicts, all of which can exacerbate food insecurity.
The same day we gathered for the film screening, the ELCA Advocacy team sent out an email encouraging action to address these issues, specifically focused on the Farm Bill that is working it’s way through our legislative system.
Here is the text of that email explaining what you can do to help make change.
“Our action can advance sustainable agriculture and climate resilience!
As discussions on the Farm Bill continue, it's crucial that we advocate for conservation measures that align with our commitment to caring for creation and addressing the climate crisis. There are several key priorities the ELCA is calling for in the next Farm Bill. As our faith calls us to be stewards of the earth, and the upcoming Farm Bill presents a critical opportunity to advance policies that promote sustainable agriculture and climate resilience, our voices from the faith community have impact.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports that more than 10% of total U.S. greenhouse gas emissions can be attributed to crop cultivation and animal husbandry. Conservation programs in the Farm Bill are widely popular and underfunded. We urge you to join us in advocating for specific measures in the Farm Bill that could further support climate change mitigation strategies in a vital industry for people and land, alike.
The ELCA has a long history of supporting the work of farmers as they not only feed us but steward our lands for future generations. We hope to continue this effort to lift up the climate-smart practices, such as sustainable agriculture, agroforestry, silvopasture, managed grazing, etc., that many farmers are already doing. As mentioned in the ELCA’s social statement Caring for Creation: Vision, Hope, and Justice, ‘Sufficiency charges us to work with each other and the environment to meet needs without causing undue burdens elsewhere’ (p. 7). We can proudly say that many of us who are farmers are adopting sustainable practices and therefore embodying the value of ‘justice through sufficiency’ (p. 7), but many of us need help to do it. By incentivizing sustainable and climate-smart agriculture practices, we can care for the arable land and honor the people responsible for feeding us.
Your voice is essential in ensuring that these crucial measures are included in the Farm Bill. Together, let's urge Congress to pass a Farm Bill that promotes conservation, addresses the climate crisis, and supports the well-being of both people and the planet.
Share your customized message using the ELCA Action Center today as Congress continues discussions on the Farm Bill.