Have You Seen the Storehouses of the Snow? Glaciers in the Anthropocene

Within Christian theology, the beauty and grandeur of glaciated regions on Earth are seen as reflections of God's glory. These landscapes have spiritual significance in reminding us of God's power and majesty, as well as of the humility of our own humanity in relation to these awe-inspiring parts of God's creation. Yet, the current state and future prognosis of these regions also reflect humanity's desecration of God's glory in them. Projections indicate that with 1.5°C warming above preindustrial levels, 49% of the world's glaciers will disappear between 2015 and 2100. These losses have profound implications for society, particularly for the poor and vulnerable, including rising sea levels, diminished freshwater resources, and increased exposure to natural hazards. Any reduction in the ongoing temperature increase that can be achieved by humanity matters for the survival of glaciers. We must choose our future responsibly and embody God's care for these majestic parts of his creation and all who benefit from them. Christians, as witnesses to the God who creates and loves the world, have the privilege of advancing climate solutions that bring reconciliation to the world and maintain a place for glaciers within the community of creation.