Air
(Jim Keat)

What do we do when the very thing we need might end up killing us?


The heavens are telling the glory of God; and the firmament proclaims God’s handiwork. (Psalm 19:1)

The sky is falling. The air is killing us. Nearly 80% of lung illnesses are due to the air pollutants caused by automobiles and other fossil fuel burning machines.

They will roar over it on that day, like the roaring of the sea. And if one look to the land— only darkness and distress; and the light grows dark with clouds. (Isaiah 5:30)

Around the world, air pollution is the fourth largest killer, causing 6.5 million deaths annually, behind high blood pressure, dietary risks and smoking.

Let all the inhabitants of the land tremble, for the day is coming, it is near— a day of darkness and gloom, a day of clouds and thick darkness! (Joel 2:1-2)

More than nine out of 10 of the world’s population – 92% – lives in places where air pollution exceeds safe limits

The land that you are entering to possess is a land unclean with the pollutions of the people. They have filled it from end to end. (Ezra 9:11)

For the past 400,000 years global carbon dioxide levels have remained below 300 parts per million. In 1950 we crossed this threshold and the number is currently over 400 parts per million, a 37 percent increase in a single lifetime.

Faithfulness will spring up from the ground, and righteousness will look down from the sky. (Psalm 85:11)

For your steadfast love is higher than the heavens, and your faithfulness reaches to the clouds. (Psalm 108:4)


This episode was written, recorded and produced by Rev. Jim Keat. Background tracks include Trundle by Podington Bear and My Neighborhood by Goldmund.

Visit www.OurWorldInData.org/air-pollution to find out more about air pollution in our world and what you can do to make an impact.

Click here to find out more about Riverside’s Beloved Earth Community.


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