Scientific researcher in paleoclimatology Jessica Moerman discusses her work on studying stalagmites and ancient lakes to understand past climate change and its implications for the future. She shares her journey of intertwining science and faith, the unfairness of climate change, and the importance of taking action to mitigate its impacts.
Understanding past climate conditions through paleoclimatology helps us comprehend and address future climate change.
Taking small actions, advocating for clean energy, and addressing climate anxiety are powerful ways to bring about a healthier future.
Deep dives
The path from science to climate ministry
The podcast episode features the Reverend Dr. Jessica Mormon, who discusses her journey from a career in science, specifically paleoclimatology, to climate ministry. She explains that she always had a passion for sharing scientific knowledge and helping people understand the reality and urgency of climate change. Dr. Mormon emphasizes the importance of bridging the gap between science and ministry, and how her role as a pastor's wife and leader in the church has allowed her to reach fellow Christians and advocate for climate action.
The study of past climates
Dr. Mormon delves into the field of paleoclimatology, explaining how scientists study past climates using various materials like stalagmites, ice cores, and tree rings. She shares her research experiences in Borneo where she examined stalagmites to understand how El Nino has changed in the past. By analyzing the chemical signatures in these natural records, scientists can decipher past climate conditions and identify the causes of climate change.
The role of the Evangelical Environmental Network
Dr. Mormon serves as the President and CEO of the Evangelical Environmental Network (EEN). She discusses the work of the EEN, which involves analyzing climate policies, advocating for positive solutions, and mobilizing Christians to take action on climate change. The EEN focuses on the connection between climate change, pollution, and human health, emphasizing the need for equitable access to clean energy sources and the importance of addressing climate change for the well-being of all.
Addressing climate anxiety through action
Dr. Mormon addresses the issue of climate anxiety and emphasizes the power of taking action as an antidote to despair. She encourages people to be part of the solution by engaging in advocacy, supporting clean energy initiatives, and making lifestyle changes. She highlights that individual actions, no matter how small, can contribute to a healthier and safer climate for future generations.
Jessica Moerman’s scientific research has included the study of stalagmites in Bornean caves and digging up ancient lakes in Africa. Through this work, she and other paleoclimatologists—those who study the climate of the past—have started to piece together the puzzle of how earth’s climate has changed in the past, which helps us to understand how it could change in the future. For Jessica, science has always been a tool for ministry and for understanding God’s creation. That idea has led her to her current role as the CEO of the Evangelical Environmental Network where she is able to share her knowledge of science, her passion for ministry and the call to act to bring about a healthy future.
Theme song and credits music by Breakmaster Cylinder. Other music in this episode by Northern Points, courtesy of Shutterstock, Inc.
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