We were very pleased to see this book — Climate Justice: Ethics, Energy, and Public Policy — and to review its detailed, even comprehensive, and very sympathetic treatment of GDRs.
Climate Justice is interesting in both conception and execution. The problem of climate stabilization is, after all, one that cannot be solved in the terms of normal life and normal morality. Thus, the interest (and spirit) that — to use the ugly, American term, “the faith community” — is bringing to the party is very important indeed. Which is where this book comes in. Not a collection of essays but an extended essay in its own right, this book really (I’m not just saying this) is an excellent introduction to the impossible problem that we cannot, but must solve.
By the way, we willingly note that Jim Martin-Schramm, the professor of theology that wrote Climate Justice, faults GDRs on one matter: practicability. He is of course right to do so. But then again, the problem here is not exclusive to GDRs. Fact is, there is not yet the political space for any really serious response to the climate emergency.
Check out these reviews:
“This book is an excellent example of the literature coming out of committed church circles dealing with the most important issues facing humanity today. Because churchmen are free to ignore disciplinary boundaries and the demand to be value-free that characterize the academy, they are producing the most valuable writings on these topics. Martin-Schramm is thoroughly informed, theologically grounded, and ethically sensitive. Would that millions of Christians would use this book to inform themselves. Would that political leaders would be guided by Martin-Schramm’s wisdom!” –John B. Cobb Jr., Professor Emeritus, Claremont School of Theology“Climate Justice is an immensely helpful book, summarizing with pertinent detail for Christians and others the facts about climate change within an ethical framework of ecological justice. His careful analysis of both the facts and their ethical implications is a gradualist one, believing that, in his own words, ‘we must not let the perfect be the enemy of the good.’ Anyone looking for a one-volume, in-depth introduction to climate change and ethics will value this book.” –Sallie McFague, Distinguished Theologian in Residence, Vancouver School of Theology
“Martin-Schramm’s volume could hardly be more timely or substantive! Energy, food, and water, all in the face of climate change, is this century’s daunting agenda. That this work is theologically and morally focused on energy and climate justice also takes it well beyond most treatments of energy policies and possibilities.” –Larry Rasmussen, Reinhold Niebuhr Professor of Social Ethics Emeritus, Union Theological Seminary
