‘Elon Musk, Oligarchy, and Climate Justice’ webinar addresses important issues of our day

A Creation Justice webinar entitled “Elon Musk, Oligarchy, and Climate Justice” was hosted by the Rev. Brooks Berndt, minister for Environmental Justice at the United Church of Christ, and the Rev. Michael Malcom, executive director of the Alabama Interfaith Power and Light on Feb. 12.

The conversation addressed the many implications of the richest man in the world having the ear of the President of the United States, especially when it comes to the pursuit of climate justice.

As the world’s richest man and someone once hailed as a climate savior, Elon Musk has told President Trump that “we don’t need to rush” to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. At the same time, an environmental justice struggle is being waged against Musk’s xAI facility in Memphis.

The webinar asked, as people of faith, what do we make of a situation in which a small number of wealthy individuals have a tremendous influence over the future well-being of humanity and all of God’s creation?

More importantly, what are we to do?

These questions are addressed by webinar guests Edie Rasell, author of The Way of Abundance: Economic Justice in Scripture and Society, and KeShaun Pearson, executive director of Memphis Community Against Pollution.

Rasell said, “Today people can’t form unions that they want to, and working conditions are too onerous, even unsafe — because some have too much power over the environment.” She continued, “They pollute, create habitat destruction and the laws that might rein in that stuff don’t get enacted or followed through as they should because the rich have too much power over consumers.”

Pearson offered some hope. “It feels like so much is happening and there is no way for us to keep up encouragement. But I do draw strength knowing our God knows and cares and can relate. I’m thankful for a God that can relate to fighting against tyrants, and against wickedness in high places.”

You can watch the entire webinar below:

Furthering the prophetic call to speak truth to power, the UCC is starting Climate Hope Affiliate Chapters that will seek to develop long-term relationships with members of Congress and the local media in order to protect and achieve critically-needed legislation. If interested, click HERE.

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