To the editor:

The weather is a favorite topic for small talk among Kansans, yet when it comes to talking about the larger, long-term implications of the weather — that is, climate change — many of our leaders and elected officials are silent. In fact, the topic has been off the radar during the presidential debates so far, despite its critical importance to everything from the economy to health to national security.

Politicians may shy away from talking about climate, but as people of faith, we cannot be silent on this important moral issue. The economy is the top issue on many Americans’ minds this fall, and rightly so. But Kansans understand that when 103 out of 105 counties in Kansas are declared disaster areas and farmers lose crops due to widespread drought, there’s a direct tie between disruptive weather, jobs and even our food supply.

The member congregations of Kansas Interfaith Power & Light recognize that collectively we are called to be good stewards of Earth and to care for our neighbors both locally and globally. We can’t ignore the growing reality of climate disruption, and we owe it to our children and grandchildren to act now for their future.

Rather than arguing false choices between good jobs and cleaner energy, we should celebrate that Americans have the ingenuity to successfully address the challenges of our changing climate. We invite all of Kansas’ faith communities to join us in this vital work.