God's Green Earth

U.S. President George Bush didn't smile often during his State of the Union Address. He was almost subdued in manner, with no sign of his usual cockiness. Little wonder. He really didn't have much to brag about. One of the few positives in his speech was the promise of responsible, practical change in the stewardship of energy resources:

Keeping America competitive requires affordable energy. And here we have a serious problem: America is addicted to oil, which is often imported from unstable parts of the world. The best way to break this addiction is through technology. Since 2001, we have spent nearly $10 billion to develop cleaner, cheaper and more reliable alternative energy sources. And we are on the threshold of incredible advances.

So tonight I announce the Advanced Energy Initiative -- a 22 percent increase in clean-energy research at the Department of Energy to push for breakthroughs in two vital areas. To change how we power our homes and offices, we will invest more in zero-emission coal-fired plants; revolutionary solar and wind technologies; and clean, safe nuclear energy.

Here in Canada the Conservative government, not known for being "green," is suddenly proposing and enacting ecologically responsible initiatives all over the place. In both countries there has been a shift in public opinion. A Canadian poll this week moves the environment to the top of our list of concerns.

We need to pray. We need to pray that having reached the "tipping point" of public opinion there will also be a decisive shift in public action. For all the ominous signs in our world, this can be a time of promise which will create shalom for generations to come.

O Lord how manifold are your works! In wisdom you have made them all... Ps 104:24