There is no set period of time or total amount of carbon emissions that we can stay below to ensure we stay safe.

I've even had people tell me that I must not be a Christian because I think climate change is real. But you know, there's nothing in the Bible that says that. The sad truth is that our thought leaders - many of them in the conservative media and politics - are the ones telling us this isn't real, and we are believing them.

People have taken advantage of the very well-trodden pathways that divide science and faith on other issues, such as creation, evolution, and the age of the universe, to pigeonhole climate change as yet another variant on the same theme.

It's a common perception that science and religion are mutually exclusive. But there are many scientists who would consider themselves to be spiritual people. Not only that, but in the case of climate change - a scientific issue with strong moral implications and difficult decisions to be made - it's essential to connect the science to our values. And for many of us, our values come from our faith.

We must also suffer the consequences of our past decisions. And for that, we must open our hearts to those in need.

It's easier to discredit the science than to say that climate change is a genuine issue but we don't want to do anything about it.

I don't think there are any churches that have "Thou shalt not believe in climate change" written in their actual statement of faith.