Wild Faith

Christen, here. You may know me professionally as a writer, an environmental attorney, an adjunct, or as a human being committed to addressing environmental problems in Western New York. But I’m also a person of faith. I’m used to the odd looks. Person talking to me: “You’re an environmentalist ... and a Christian?” Me: “Yep.” Cue the [raised eyebrows] [barely concealed smirks] [twisted theological doctrines]. The reactions come from people of all stri

Sometimes reading environmental news induces a collective sigh. A communal SMH. It’s filled with the multiple ways in which humans are negatively impacting the environment. The COVID-19 pandemic has brought that point home in a powerful way: without us, the oceans are quieter, whales are returning to shipping lanes, jellyfish have found their way into Venetian canals, and big cats are pacing city streets. It’s not just the presence of people that cause disruptions in the envi

We’re reaching the end of the United Nation’s “Decade of Biodiversity,” and yet, many of us aren’t sure what that term even means. Or why it matters. But matter it does. In fact, it’s vital to our continued survival and the health of this planet. So, what is biodiversity anyway? Biological diversity (or "biodiversity") refers to the variety and variability of plant and animal life on this planet. We can think of biodiversity on three levels: genetic diversity within a plant o

Have you ever thought about how you view the environment? Should someone go to jail for killing an eagle?