Answering the Call

When it comes to climate change, says David Norse, a senior majoring in religious studies, “what I’m most concerned about is how it’s going to affect the people who are the most vulnerable and who have the least power to change the situation. They’re basically paying for the sins of the Western world. And that, on many, many levels, bothers me.

David sees a clear link between social justice and global warming. “My thesis is on the Gospel of John, and it ties into the idea that there are certain gifts that were given for all of humanity, one of which is simply the right to live on the Earth,” says David. “Global climate change is going to affect people’s ability to live, to produce food, to sustain stable governments—and it’s the poorest people who will be affected the most.”

So when he heard about Focus the Nation, a national initiative on global warming that was started by Lewis & Clark Professor of Economics Eban Goodstein, he felt called to act. On January 31, 2008, he took part in the main event: a nationwide global warming teach-in held simultaneously at more than 1,900 colleges, universities, high schools, middle schools, civic organizations, businesses, and places of worship. “I was really proud of what we did, and it solidified my involvement,” says David. “I will remain environmentally active and will continue to lend my voice to speak truth to power.”

For the last three years, David has also worked toward social justice through his volunteer work with a local youth group.

David’s next step has just been confirmed: he has been accepted to Princeton Theological Seminary on a full tuition grant. He will start his studies in youth ministry in 2009, after some time off for travel and continued work with the youth group. With a strong foundation in academics and involvement, he says, “I feel incredibly well prepared for the future.”