Happy Holidays! Today I am joined by Katie Zakrzewski, who labels herself as a devout Catholic from a Polish family. Originally a self- described climate denier from a low-income and rural area, she has gone on quite the journey and now works for Catholic Climate Covenant. This season of Advent seemed the perfect time to release a conversation with her.

Over 80% of the people on this planet adhere to a religious or spiritual tradition which often also includes belief in the importance of caring for the world around them. Many people of faith find no conflict between their embrace of the scientific method to learn more about our world and health, but there are many who are either indifferent to the latest scientific studies or skeptical of members of the scientific establishment and even such labels as “environmentalist.” The need for climate action is urgent, and at the same time these divisions can feel overwhelming. Fortunately, the faith traditions of our world provide a rich opportunity for people to come together across national and political divides to work toward the care of our common home.

1- If you are a member of a particular faith or religious tradition, there are likely organizations within it advocating for clean air and climate action. If you have not already, learn about those resources at the post for this page at airhealthourhealth.org/faith.

2- Work together - maybe you can help organize renewable energy for your sanctuary or a community environmental event.

3- Raise your voices together- maybe there is an important local action your town, county or state can take to make your environment healthier. Consider organizing a group from your faith community to testify or write a letter to the editor on why action on this issue is important.

4- Be open- there are many different religious traditions and many who belong to no religious tradition or who have left their religious tradition for very good reasons. I believe most people share a common faith that the Earth is a sacred trust for which we have a responsibility to care. If we keep ourselves open to others, we will find places for shared action.

5- Consider a donation to a faith-based organization working for climate action, such as Catholic Climate Covenant, included in this podcast.

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