In a nutshell

I just received the latest copy of World Vision Canada's "World View" publication and was so happy to read the message from the president. It summed up so well the reasons I personally am passionate about the environment. It effectively answers the criticisms that Christian environmentalism is either earth-worship or an indulgence of the rich. I have quoted a few key passages here:

"The United Nations Development Program recently stated that developing countries and the impoverished people who live in them are the most vulnerable to climate change as natural disasters become more frequent, sinking them even deeper into poverty. Developed countries like Canada are home to just 15% of the world's population, yet generate almost half of the harmful carbon emissions that contribute to climate change [the number would be higher still if we took into account the emissions generated by developing countries who are producing products solely on behalf of the developed world]. Without action from wealthy countries, including Canada, the effects of climate change are likely to be devastating for rich and poor nations alike...
As a Christian, I am motivated to care for God's creation - not only because the Earth is an expression of God's creativity and we are called to be stewards - but also because the ongoing impact of environmental degradation will be devastating for many of God's children.
To respond to the threat of climate change, the developed world must rethink its economic model based on unfettered consumption that has proven environmentally unsustainable...
Instead of waiting for our leaders to act, we can take the first step by looking more closely at how our choices and habits can contribute to climate change..."
Dave Toycen, President of World Vision Canada in World View, pg4, World Vision, Summer 2008