Ansel Adams, regarded by environmentalists as a national treasure, was born in San Francisco 1902. He joined the Sierra Club in 1919. He received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1980. In between he created stunning images in black and white helping us to see the wild beauty of nature. He spoke of the loss of connection to nature and how this would shrivel the spirit of the people. He worked to forestall this with camera in hand.

The Glasgow Climate Change Conference of the United Nations is happening as I write. “Worrying trends” are being reported there. For example, “The world’s governments plan to produce around 110% more fossil fuels in 2030 than would be consistent with limiting global warming to 1.5C (a critical temperature goal).”  This production includes 240% more coal, 57% more oil, 71% more gas. Do we scream or sigh as words of last chances and digging our own graves are offered again?

The works of Ansel Adams might help us renew our shriveling spirits. May we see each as a prayer of gratitude for the beautiful world God gave us, even as we may be too late to save it from ourselves.

In gratitude, faith, and hope,

Sandy Prouty
Minister of Children and Families
Montview Church