Does the Bible Include Prophecy about Climate Change?
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According to climate.gov, 2023 was the warmest year on record since they began tracking global temperature records in 1850. They also stated that the ten warmest years on record all happened between 2014-2023. Many now tie this to the effects of climate change, which leads to these warmer temperatures. Those who study this will tell you the effects of these warming temperatures can cause the sea levels to rise, change in weather patterns, and the intensity of storms which we have seen across our country over the last few years. Think about how many times we have heard the term “once in a generation” type of storm. We seem to hear this with greater frequency. Despite this, there are those who are skeptical about climate change and question its validity.
Regardless of your position on this issue, the records show something is happening. As we look at the changing climate around the world, it is logical to wonder if these changes are connected to a Bible prophecy about climate change. The Bible gives us plenty of insight into the events leading to the return of Christ, but is climate change part of those events?
Does the Bible Specifically Mention Climate Change?
There are no verses in the Bible that talk specifically about climate change. You will not find a direct prophecy about climate change in the Bible either. However, you will find references to natural events, plagues, and other weather-related events that God used as signs for his people. When Noah built the ark (Gen.6), God sent rain on the earth for the first time, which flooded the earth. As the Israelites were escaping from Egypt, the Bible says God used a strong east wind that blew all night (Ex. 14:21) and separated the waters of the Red Sea, allowing them to walk through it on dry ground. God caused the sun to stand still while Joshua was fighting the Amorites (Jos. 10:12-14), he sent plagues to Egypt, rained down fire on Sodom and Gomorrah, and raised up a storm to motivate Jonah to go back to Nineveh. These were some ways God used nature in the Bible to display his power, and to show he was the one true and living God.
Are There Biblical Passages That Seem to Relate to Environmental Changes?
There are passages in the Bible that relate to environmental changes. Consider this one from Amos:
"'I also withheld rain from you
when the harvest was still three months away.
I sent rain on one town,
but withheld it from another.
One field had rain;
another had none and dried up.
People staggered from town to town for water
but did not get enough to drink,
yet you have not returned to me,'
declares the Lord." – (Amos 4:7-8)
These verses speak about drought, but you must recognize the reason behind the drought. God was trying to get the attention of his people because he wanted them to repent. Often, when times are good, it is easy for people to forget about God. However, when disaster strikes, people will often at least think about God. Whether they repent is a different story because, as Amos wrote, despite all this, they still did not return to the Lord.
What Do Prophecies about Earth’s Future Teach Us?
When you study some end times prophecies, it is possible to consider them Bible prophecies about climate change. Here are two to consider.
"Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places" (Matt. 24:7).
"The first angel sounded his trumpet, and there came hail and fire mixed with blood, and it was hurled down on the earth. A third of the earth was burned up, a third of the trees were burned up, and all the green grass was burned up" (Rev. 8:7).
The first prophecy came from Jesus. As you can see, the prophecy directly relates to two forms of natural disasters. What we don’t know from this prophecy of Jesus is if these things happening are the natural result of climate change or just the hand of God. Since the Bible does not say it, any connection to climate change would only be speculation.
In Revelation, this destruction directly results from God’s judgment. We see hail, fire mixed with blood, and the burning of the earth. Looking at this prophecy, it is challenging to connect this to climate change because this judgment results from the power of God. Aside from that, we are not even sure what fire mixed with blood totally represents and whether it is simply symbolic language.
There is the possibility that these judgments represent a shift in the natural order of things, but like many other weather and natural events in other parts of the Bible, God can shift the order of things whenever he wants to, climate change or not.
What is Humanity’s Responsibility toward Creation?
"The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it" (Gen. 2:15).
When God created humanity, he left us as stewards. That role has not changed, as we are still stewards over creation. Man still has dominion and as the highest order of created beings on the earth, that means we are responsible for the condition of the earth. To be clear, we don't control the earth, because it still belongs to God, but we have the duty to care for it.
How Should Christians Respond to Climate Issues Today?
Even though there is not a specific Bible prophecy about climate change, what is our role in this as Christians? Sadly, politicians have politicized climate change, as they have with many issues in our culture. Once it reaches that arena, politics shape peoples' opinions about the topic. It is important that we step back from all the rhetoric and simply consider the evidence. The earth is getting warmer, storms are stronger and more frequent, sea levels are rising, so whether you believe in climate change or not, something is causing this to happen.
In the face of growing environmental concerns, we must balance faith with responsibility. Our faith reminds us that we are stewards of creation, which is our responsibility because God entrusted us to care for the world we inhabit.
So, are there any practical ways Christians can respond to climate issues today? First, let’s care for the environment in ways that reflect stewardship. There is nothing wrong with reducing waste, conserving resources, or supporting efforts to care for the environment. Second, let’s not neglect those who have been victimized by some of the natural disasters we have seen recently. The events have turned peoples' lives upside down and many have literally lost everything. In these instances, it does not matter if you believe in climate change. We must be certain to remember these people and help if we are able.
Finally, remember Psalm 24:1
"The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it,
the world, and all who live in it;"
God is still Lord over all the earth. Since the earth belongs to him, then let’s care for it. As we address climate concerns, let’s remember that it’s not about panic, but purpose. He is the one who holds all things together (Col. 1:17), and by caring for creation we show our love for him and all he has created.
Photo credit: ©Getty Images/Ekaterina Simonova
