BOSTON, Massachusetts — On April 22, 2025, communities around the world celebrate Earth Day, a day first marked in 1970 to call attention to environmental protection. It serves as a reminder of humanity’s duty towards the Earth while exposing the ongoing tension between environmental advocates and proponents of aggressive fossil fuel exploration, famously coined as ‘drill baby drill.’
This phrase, popularized by political figures like President Donald Trump and former Governors Sarah Palin and Rick Perry, captures the push for an increase in fossil fuel production. Supporters believe that expanding domestic drilling not only boosts national security by reducing foreign oil dependency but also stimulates economic growth and job creation.
An advocate for the ‘drill baby drill’ approach stated, ‘Our natural resources are crucial for economic stability. We need these practices to ensure lower energy costs and maintain America’s competitive edge.’ This viewpoint sees environmental regulations as roadblocks to achieving economic success.
However, the celebration of Earth Day reflects divergent beliefs about stewardship. On one hand, some individuals engage in personal actions like recycling and using energy-efficient appliances. On the other hand, others focus on collective advocacy for environmental reforms, recognizing the need to address inequalities affecting marginalized communities, particularly Black and brown populations.
Critics of the exploitative approach to nature argue that the discussions around Earth Day should connect environmentalism with broader social justice issues. Historically, Christians have held differing views on ecology—from those who support the call to protect nature based on religious teachings to others who view such movements as a deviation from traditional beliefs.
According to a report from the Pew Research Center, many Evangelical Protestants express skepticism about climate change, with a third believing it is predominantly caused by human activity, while others attribute it to natural patterns or remain unconvinced. In contrast, those from other faiths tend to show greater concern for climate issues.
Nonetheless, within evangelical circles, a clear shift towards environmental stewardship is emerging. Initiatives like the Evangelical Climate Initiative (2006) and statements from Southern Baptist leaders illustrate this growing recognition of the church’s responsibility in the fight against climate change.
Organizations such as Young Evangelicals for Climate Action and A Rocha USA are leading the charge for environmental justice, advocating for equal rights concerning climate-related policies. Massachusetts is part of this movement by defining environmental justice communities based on demographics that are often most affected by environmental hazards.
Earth Day challenges everyone to embrace a holistic view that intertwines environmental and social justice. Issues like climate justice focus on how the effects of climate change can worsen societal inequalities, while energy justice raises concerns about fair access to clean energy sources.
In a world where fossil fuel reliance often clashes with environmental objectives, Earth Day calls on communities to shift from a ‘brown’ economy driven by extraction to a sustainable ‘green’ economy that values preservation. It’s a time for reflection on shared values, a rethink of priorities, and the development of a long-term vision for harmonious coexistence with our planet.
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