Katharine Hayhoe: Talking About Christian Climate Action Is a Gospel Issue

From Pews to Planet: Faith-Based Steps to Better Creation Stewardship

In this episode of the Good Faith Podcast, host Curtis Chang and guest Dr. Katherine Hayhoe—Chief Scientist at The Nature Conservancy and a committed evangelical Christian—explore why Christians and churches should care about climate change as a biblical "love your neighbor" issue rooted in justice for the poor and vulnerable. Hayhoe explains how political polarization and "solution aversion" fuel climate skepticism. She introduces the "Six Americas" framework and offers practical guidance for having hopeful, effective conversations that connect climate action to what people already care about. Dr. Hayhoe offers actionable next steps for individuals and congregations—like sharing solutions, starting church initiatives, and leading with hope instead of doom—so Christians can faithfully steward God's creation.

05:23 - Dr. Hayhoe's Faith Journey and Science

07:12 - Experiencing Creation's Vulnerability

09:17 - Is Climate Change a Justice Issue?

10:42 - Encountering Christian Climate Skepticism

18:06 - Christian Organizations and Climate Action

24:35 - Connecting Climate to Personal Values A

28:23 - Navigating Difficult Conversations

33:31 - What Are the "Six Americas" of Climate Attitudes?

43:02 - Scientific Evidence and Human Impact

48:15 - Focusing on Solutions, Not Just Science

50:03 - What Is One Action Step for the Unsure Christian?

53:00 - What Is One Action Step for the Committed Christian

55:00 - Are There Practical Church-Based Climate Actions?

Episode Companion:

Christians and Climate Change Guide 1

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Mentioned In This Episode:

Organizations and Networks

• A Rocha USA
• Evangelical Environmental Network
• Tearfund
• Compassion International
• World Vision
• Yale Program on Climate Change Communication

Websites, Tools, Books, and Newsletters

• Skeptical Science
• Global Weirding (Video podcast)
• Colby May's Energy For Purpose (ministry Energy Management)
• Mark Noll's The Scandal of the Evangelical Mind
• Dr. John Cook's Cranky Uncle vs. Climate Change: How to Understand and Respond to Climate Science Deniers
• Bill McKibben's website

Studies and Surveys

• National Academy of Sciences Survey Results (2023-2024)
• Belief in divine (versus human) control of earth affects perceived threat of climate change (npj)
• Pew Research: The pope is concerned about climate change. How do U.S. Catholics feel about it? (2023)
• The Yale Program on Climate Change Communication: Climate Change in the American Mind: Belief