Climate science clearly shows an ongoing rise in global temperatures. Global warming leads to droughts, rising ocean levels, more severe storms, species loss, displacement, food shortages and other issues. As we consider how to have justice, equity and compassion in human relations (the 2nd Unitarian Universalist (UU) Principle) and respect the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part (the 7th Principle), climate change is one of the most challenging realities in front of us.
Climate change is a multifaceted systemic problem that calls on us to re-examine our own activities and to seek broader change within the institutions we are part of. Climate change is primarily driven by human behavior and the capitalist objective to maximize production, consumption and profits. Industrial animal agriculture is particularly heart-wrenching when we become aware of how mass production impacts so many lives in the interdependent web. It is also an enormous contributor to global warming. According to a major new study cited by The Guardian, the global production of food is responsible for a third of all planet-heating gases emitted by human activity, with the use of animals for meat causing twice the pollution of producing plant-based foods.
It’s easy to be overwhelmed. As a congregation, part of our work is the spiritual process of facing the overwhelming and part of our work is taking moral action on the issues core to our values. This is why we have a climate justice ministry, Act for Climate Today! (or ACT!). A main focus of the group’s work has been making the connection between climate justice and industrial animal agriculture. Loretta Rowe is one of ACT!’s leaders. She describes how her work with ACT! has made a major impact on her life.
When my husband and I started attending UUCF in 2012, and became involved in the Climate Action Group (the former name for ACT!), we were surprised to learn about the connection between animal agriculture and climate change. The destruction of rainforests, degradation of land, pollution of our waterways, greenhouse gas emissions and so much more were compelling reasons to give up meat. One day in 2016, listening to a podcast by psychologist, meditation teacher and compassion guru Tara Brach, I was stunned by her description of what is done to male baby chicks since they are not useful to egg production. At that moment, I became vegan. Since then, both personally and as part of my work at UUCF with Act for Climate Today!, I have read, watched documentaries, visited farm sanctuaries and done all I can to educate myself and others about the damage caused by industrial animal agriculture. We know people have reduced their consumption of animal products through coming to ACT! events, and we’re laying a foundation for systemic change. We hope that going forward UUCF can be an example for congregations everywhere.
For the next 8 months, ACT! is launching a Compassion and Climate Campaign and will offer several educational and cultural events to deepen awareness of the ethical and environmental impact of industrial animal agriculture. Some ideas include a concert, visits to local animal sanctuaries, inspirational talks by UU leaders, plant-based meals, cooking lessons and more. This campaign will engage the congregation and include open discussions around UUCF possibly adopting a food policy for official congregational meals that reflects a commitment to the 7th Principle.
I invite the congregation to continuously deepen our consideration of the spiritual and practical work involved in creating a more sustainable world, and to engage in conversation, without shame or judgment, in the steps we can take to learn and grow. If you are interested in helping with the Compassion and Climate Campaign, please reach out to Loretta Rowe.