So his prayer of petition had a certain urgency to it. While the debate over global warming may be hotter than Hades among scientists and politicians, the issue has become an important part of theological teaching and organizational activism for growing numbers of clergy members and congregations. Human beings are called to care for the earth. We are responsible for each other's well-being. Climate change will affect the health and safety of everyone.
Many scientists say temperature changes linked to human activity already are occurring.
July set new temperature records, as did every previous month this year. These surpassed 1997, which had been the hottest year on record. All 10 of the warmest years have occurred since 1983. For the most part, this is the same conclusion reached by lawmakers. A majority of the Republican-led Congress has vowed not to approve the Kyoto agreement and is fighting what it says are Clinton administration efforts to independently promote and carry out the agreement's provisions.