Dr. Dorothy Boorse Leads NAE Report on Impacts of Climate Change on Poverty

Just last month, the National Association of Evangelicals (NAE) released an updated report on how climate change impacts the most vulnerable people around the world—and Dr. Dorothy Boorse (biology) served as the lead author. “Loving the Least of These: Addressing a Changing Environment” explores the biblical basis for Christian engagement, the science of climate change, how climate change affects the poor, and practical ways to respond. 

Boorse, who also authored the original version of “Loving the Least of These” in 2011, said, “Climate change can be confusing in the media, but it is an issue that cannot be ignored. We labored to present a clear, well-supported document that can help Christian leaders and laypersons understand the science and how disruptions in the environment affect the poor and our role as stewards of God’s creation.”

This revised 2022 version was created in partnership with World Relief (a global Christian humanitarian organization) and the Evangelical Environmental Network (a creation care ministry), and includes updated science and examples, as well as new articles from contributing authors.

“At the National Association of Evangelicals, we believe that the good news of Jesus encompasses all of life and empowers us to face the deepest challenges,” said Walter Kim, president of NAE, which provides resources, connections and influence that assist evangelicals in creating thriving communities and navigating complicated issues with biblical clarity. “We wish to navigate the complexities of our times, including issues like climate change, with biblical clarity and a deep love that reflects God’s own heart for this world, especially for those least able to enjoy its blessings.”

Myal Greene, president and CEO of World Relief, said, “At World Relief, we have firsthand experience working with people facing the devastating effects of climate change. We have learned that if we want to be a catalyst for change that lasts, we have to address the root causes of poverty and not just offer temporary solutions. Climate change is one of the great injustices of our time, because people living in vulnerable communities experience the devastation brought on by the way people living in wealthier countries live our lives. As Christians, our love for the least of these compels us to acknowledge how our actions have contributed to climate change and to take steps to reverse its devastating effects.”

Boorse’s contributing authors include Kim and Greene along with Mitch Hescox, president of the Evangelical Environmental Network; Jessica Moerman, vice president of science and policy of the Evangelical Environmental Network; Bishop Timothy Clarke, senior pastor of First Church of God in Columbus, Ohio; Thomas Ackerman, professor emeritus of atmospheric sciences at the University of Washington; Christopher Shore, chief development officer of economic empowerment of World Vision USA; Jenny Yang, senior vice president of advocacy and policy of World Relief; Lanre Williams-Ayedun, senior vice president for international programs of World Relief; and Galen Carey, NAE vice president of government relations.

When she’s not writing reports and teaching at Gordon, Boorse serves as devotional writer for Climate Caretakers, a member of the Steering Committee for Faith Science Alliance for Climate Leadership, a senior advisor for Young Evangelicals for Climate Action, and many other active roles that surround the role of Christians in climate change.