Global Weirding Ups, Downs, Tempests of Change: Unpredictable Climates

A Protopian Future: New Roles for Quakers in Climate Justice and Collective Action

The winter of 2026 in South Jersey has been an unseasonably cold one. Snow and ice, the likes of which were once rare for this region, now seem a permanent fixture. The chill is biting, yet it serves as a reminder of the broader climate challenges we face—a reminder that global weirding, a term to describe the unpredictable and extreme shifts in weather patterns due to climate change, is already upon us. While some of us seek refuge from the cold by dreaming of warmer places or seasons, this longing reflects a deeper, more urgent need: the need for action.

In times like these, it’s easy for friends at the dog park to chat about the cold but miss the deeper reality of climate change. The truth is, the shifts we are witnessing—from harsh winters to hotter summers—are symptoms of a larger, more destructive crisis. However, there is hope. A solution lies in a shift in how we think about climate change, one that draws on our shared humanity and the values we hold as Quakers: simplicity, peace, and equality.

Global Weirding and the Crisis at Hand

“Global weirding” has been popularized to describe the chaotic and unpredictable nature of our climate. We see it in the news and often at our doorsteps. Upside down weather, a direct result of the warming planet, taunts us. As Earth’s temperature increases, it triggers a cascade of effects—severe storms, wildfires, flooding, droughts, and temperature extremes—events that disrupt not only ecosystems but the very stability of societies around the world.

Katherine Hayhoe, a climate scientist, has worked extensively to demystify climate change for the general public, including in her widely circulated YouTube video, “What is Climate Change?”. In this video, Hayhoe emphasizes that while climate change has been a topic of debate for years, the science is now irrefutable: the planet is warming, and human activity is responsible for a significant portion of this change.

But for many, the issue is abstract. It’s easy to dismiss until you experience it firsthand, like the intense cold we are facing now in South Jersey. The problem isn’t just the cold; it’s that it’s out of place, at the wrong time. This is a consequence of a disrupted climate system. As Hayhoe explains, the disruption is not just about warmer weather; it’s about how that shift creates instability in the world’s natural rhythms, leading to unpredictable, extreme conditions.

In a sense, this “global weirding” is our shared problem. The actions of one country, one corporation, or even one individual cannot fully account for the imbalance we see today. The crisis is collective, and as Hayhoe urges, we must work together to address it.

A Role for the Society of Friends in Building Climate Action

For Quakers, the call to action is clear. Our faith tradition emphasizes an inherent equality of all people, the sanctity of creation, and the moral obligation to care for the world around us. These principles form the foundation for a robust, faith-driven response to the climate crisis.

At the dog park, we often talk about how we might be able to make a difference. While it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, there is much that we, as individuals and as a community, can do. History has demonstrated how one role of Quakers in this changing landscape and above lies in our commitment to living out our values in ways that are tangible and transformative for the world.

Friendly Waters for the World is one initiative that embodies these values. Through this program, Friends are working to ensure that clean, accessible water is a reality for everyone, especially in areas where droughts or other climate impacts have exacerbated water scarcity. Clean water is a fundamental human right and a central issue in the fight against climate injustice. Quakers understand that our relationship with nature is not one of dominance, but stewardship, and by ensuring that resources are shared equitably, we can begin to heal the wounds inflicted by climate degradation.

Similarly, the Right Sharing of World Resources focuses on providing sustainable solutions to communities facing economic hardships exacerbated by climate change. This initiative works toward social justice by providing resources and training that empower people to build more resilient, eco-friendly communities.

Quaker Earthcare Witness (QEW) has long been at a forefront of advocating for climate action among Friends, offering resources, workshops, and campaigns that encourage sustainable living practices. Their work reflects the deep connection between our ethical commitments as Quakers and the pressing need for systemic change in response to the climate crisis.

Another key organization is Earth Quaker Action Team (EQAT). EQAT organizes grassroots action to challenge institutions and systems that perpetuate environmental injustice. EQAT’s campaigns focus on holding corporations and financial institutions accountable for their role in climate destruction. It strives to create just transitions to sustainable economies to benefit all.

These organizations and initiatives highlight our Quaker belief in simplicity—living in ways that reduce our impact on the Earth and support the most vulnerable. But perhaps most importantly, they show how our faith can inspire direct action, organized collective efforts that can help address the structural causes of climate change and build a more just and sustainable future.

Building a Protopian Future: From Denial to Action

Despite any growing body of evidence, many remain in denial about the seriousness of climate change. Kari Marie Norgaard’s work, particularly her book Living in Denial: Climate Change, Emotions, and Everyday Life, provides valuable insights into why this is happening. Norgaard argues that denial is often not a conscious decision, but rather a social/psychological response to a crisis that feels too overwhelming to confront. For many, climate change seems distant, abstract, or simply too complex to address. In reality, a wave of climate changes is rising.

Yet Norgaard’s work also suggests that by fostering a sense of collective responsibility and showing how climate action aligns with core moral values, we can begin to move beyond denial. The path forward involves deepening our awareness of the issue, confronting the uncomfortable truths, and—most importantly—taking concrete actions.

Quakers have always been a community of action. From abolition to social justice, our history is filled with examples of standing against injustice, regardless of how unpopular or difficult the cause may have been. Today, climate justice is our moral imperative. It is the next chapter in the ongoing work of creating a more just and peaceful world.

Moving Forward: Do we hear a Call to Action?

“Global Weirding – the Ups and Downs of Tempers and Change in Unpredictable Climates – How do we recognize our spot on a global map?”

It has been an extremely cold winter. Snow came and ice and snow lasted. When it is this sunny outside we wish for warmer seasons or warmer places. Yet, the journey ahead is one of collective responsibility. Our faith compels us to act, to be the change we wish to see in the world. This work will require a commitment to long-term solutions, to promoting sustainable systems and policies, to challenging powerful interests that continue and perpetuate environmental harm. We have many great resources, models, history and testimonies that will apply here as a weirder climate continues to unfold.

In practical terms, there are many steps we can take, individually and as a community:

1. Reduce personal carbon footprints: Start by examining personal consumption habits. Are there ways to reduce waste, energy consumption, or reliance on fossil fuels? These small steps, when adopted widely, can have a significant impact.
   
2. Support sustainable businesses: Choose companies that prioritize the environment, support renewable energy, and advocate for fair labor practices. Divest from industries that profit from environmental destruction.
   
3. Engage in advocacy: Join movements like EQAT and other grassroots organizations that are challenging harmful corporate practices. Advocate for policy changes that prioritize climate justice and support sustainable development.
   
4. Educate others: Share knowledge about the climate crisis with friends, family, and community members. Use tools like Hayhoe’s videos, Norgaard’s research, and others to help demystify the issue.
   
5. Engage in collective action: Support organizing like Friendly Waters for the World or Right Sharing of World Resources, which provide tangible solutions to the climate crisis.

Climate crisis is not a distant issue; it’s a here & now concern that affects us all. We have unique roles to play addressing root causes of our crisis. By aligning actions with values—by living simply, supporting sustainable systems, and advocating for justice—we can help create a protopian future, a future that is rooted in cooperation, stewardship, and care for all creation.

Our task is not just to imagine a better world, but to build it—step by step, decision by decision, action by action. Our challenge is great, but so is the opportunity. Together, we can rise to this occasion, ensuring how future generations inherit a world that is not just habitable, but thriving.

Bibliography and References:

1. Hayhoe, K. “What is Climate Change?” YouTube video, 2023.
   
2. Norgaard, Kari Marie. Living in Denial: Climate Change, Emotions, and Everyday Life. MIT Press, 2011.
   
3. Quaker Earthcare Witness. Quaker Earthcare Witness Resources.
   
4. Earth Quaker Action Team. EQAT Campaigns and Resources.
   
5. Friendly Waters for the World. Annual Report and Projects Overview.
   
6. Right Sharing of World Resources. RSWR Projects and Global Impact.
   

Queries:

1. How can Friends communities contribute to sustainable water initiatives globally?
   
2. What role does Quaker theology play in shaping climate justice efforts?
   
3. How can Quakers work with other faith communities to tackle climate change?
   
4. What is the relationship between social justice and environmental action?
   
5. How can we move from denial to action on climate change at a societal level?
   

Next Steps:

1. Connect to local Quaker Earthcare groups – Attend workshops on sustainability.
   
2. Start dialogues with friends/family about climate change, using tools like Hayhoe’s video.