Paul prays for the Christians at Philippi that their “love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight” (Philippians 1:9).

What has love got to do with knowledge? Well, a lot. Early in our relationship, I tried to impress Kate, my wife, by cooking her a chicken curry. But she was a vegetarian. Had I known that, I would have chosen a different tactic to impress her. Knowledge helps us love in the best way.

Climate change is the most serious issue threatening the planet. Already, extreme weather events cause havoc. Scientists warn that, unless we make extraordinary efforts to reduce greenhouse gas pollution, climate change will get much worse. Although New Zealanders will lose life and livelihood, the global poor are at greater risk.

To love our neighbours, we must stop polluting.

When asked in a recent candidates debate what personal lifestyle choices they’ve made to address climate change, the two men seeking to lead our country mentioned household recycling as their first response. Now recycling is important (if you can’t refuse, replace, reduce, or reuse first!), but of all the climate fish to fry, there are bigger ones.

To love well, learn the most effective ways to reduce our pollution.

Now is the time to school-up because we’re about to vote. We need insight to rate which political parties will do the best for the climate. If you’re not sure, check out these election guides: https://www.voteforclimate.org.nz/ and https://climateclubnz.substack.com/p/2023-general-election-guide. Use your vote wisely. Use your vote lovingly.

Beyond voting, here’s a couple of tips for the most effective ways to reduce pollution.

1. Join Your Dio Friends and Campaign for Climate

Personal lifestyle choices are important, but they’re a drop in the bucket. There has to be structural change on a much bigger scale. We need a transport system that prioritises walking, cycling, buses and trains. We need industrial processes that don’t rely on fossil fuels. We need an agricultural sector that can feed people within the earth’s ecological limits. These things won’t change quickly enough through individual lifestyle choices.

You can make the biggest difference by joining groups already campaigning. If you’re looking for somewhere to connect, check out Common Grace Aotearoa, a movement of Christians seeking to transform unjust structures.

2. Normalise radical climate action

If you are making personal lifestyle choices, make them bold and set an example. Followers of Jesus have always loved in ways that make them look different. Would you sell your car and rely on bikes and public transport? Would you decide never to fly? Would you reduce paid work to free up more time for climate campaigning? These are the kinds of things that other people notice. These are things that help other people learn better ways to love.

By John-Luke Day