It is becoming common knowledge that emissions from driving cars contribute greatly to rising rates of respiratory illnesses in children and seniors.
Studies strongly suggest that in Wisconsin more than 400 deaths per year can be traced to air pollution. Vehicles, including cars, are one of the most significant sources of air pollution.
Furthermore, greenhouse gases are released in driving vehicles, contributing as much as one-third of the total amount generated by combustion of fossil fuels.
The accumulation of greenhouse gases is causing global warming — an environmental crisis which has been referred to as the single greatest challenge facing the human species today.
In addition, tragically, tens of thousands of persons in the U.S. are killed each year in automobile accidents.
This is why the Wisconsin Interfaith Climate and Energy Campaign, in conjunction with other organizations, is promoting the month of May as a time for people of faith to use alternative transportation. Alternative transportation is anything that does not involve driving a car by oneself such as car pooling, walking, biking or riding the bus.
To inspire individuals to participate, the ad hoc coalition has created an interfaith competition — Alternative Transportation As Worship — for awards recognizing the congregation with largest proportion of a congregation involved.
The goal of the event is to increase the awareness of the benefits of dramatically reducing dependence on cars as transportation.
Global effects
It is striking to think that each time we drive to the grocery store, we are having an effect on people on the other side of the earth.
For example, climate change will undoubtedly have a severe effect on Israel. Studies conducted for the United Nations by the Hebrew University anticipate rising sea levels and significant changes in precipitation.
The report states that “most of the impacts of climate change are expected to amplify projected impacts of anthropogenic stresses resulting from accelerated population growth and a higher standard of living.”
In other words, shorter rainy seasons, severe weather events, diminishing water supplies and economic effects of climate change will further aggravate problems Israel currently faces. Such strains on the Middle East in general may seriously complicate maintaining peace with Israel’s neighbors.
In general, however, Israel is not considered as “vulnerable” as other areas of the world because of its relative wealth and infrastructure. The hardest hit populations will be the poorest because they most often lack the resources to respond to crises. One need only look at the effects of the recent tsunami in Asia to imagine the devastation likely as the global climate changes.
The National Religious Partnership on the Environment believes climate change to be a justice issue. The richest nations in the world are emitting the lion’s share of greenhouse gases and possess the greatest ability to respond to massive systemic changes.
Composed of the Coalition on the Environment and Jewish Life, National Council of Churches of Christ, United States Catholic Conference, and the Evangelical Environmental Network, the NRPE is the parent of more than 20 state affiliates, including WICEC, which work to mobilize faith communities to address climate change.
The most significant way any individual can decrease emissions of green house gases and air pollutants is to change the way they get from Point A to Point B. For example, getting around by bicycle instead of by car.
(The Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin works to advocate bicycles as one alternative to cars. Contact the BFW [414-431-1761] for information on bicycling safety, bike maps or to receive a “Guide for Starting Your Own Bicycle Commuting Program.”)
Most alternative forms of transportation are fun and safe, but we use cars out of habit. By participating in Alternative Transportation As Worship, we hope you will decide to be more conscious of your transportation choices and their effects.
If we can collectively reduce our dependence on cars dramatically, climate change may be slowed, perhaps eventually halted and even reversed.
It will take tremendous determination and faith. Nevertheless, we have to begin imagining a car-free society. A good place to start for many is understanding that choosing alternative means of transportation can be a form or worship or an expression of our faith.
While walking with Martin Luther King Jr. during the famous Selma to Birmingham civil rights march, Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel, of blessed memory, felt he was praying with his legs; it was an expression of his Jewish faith. In this same vein, choosing alternative modes of transportation can be an expression of faithful Judaism.
The magnitude of the problems of air pollution and global warming can be disheartening. And yet the fact that continued emission of green house gases at current levels is not inevitable is cause for hope.
Moving to a car-free society is good for public health because of improved air quality. And because it generally requires using your body to move you from point A to Point B, it’s good for your own health.
Chris Herb of Madison is a member of the board of directors of the Wisconsin Interfaith Climate and Energy Campaign. He will be speaking on an interfaith panel in Milwaukee on environmental issues on Sunday.
Loading ...