I’m getting tired thinking about the global warming debate which goes on and on. Honestly. Perhaps, for a change, I might just share a few cheesecake recipes I've been trying out. A recipe seems a lot simpler to follow than climate change science.

I wonder though if my move towards a 'greener' lifestyle, which promises harmony, love and world peace ;-), is having a knock on effect on the world's poor ('we drive, they starve'). Maybe not my individual choices (yet), but government policy influenced in part by my opinions. As the powerful exert their will the weak and powerless are at their mercy. The quest for a carbon neutral world means the poor pay the price, including rising food costs. It makes me wonder if I should stay we’ll clear of biofuels.

It has been argued that the gospel is primarily a message for the poor, that the Bible should be read and experienced from their perspective. I don’t really agree with that argument; the gospel is a message for all (All need to be saved; All can be saved; All can know they are saved, and All can be saved completely). But the gospel, and a heart of love, has implications for the poor. Take Deuteronomy 15 v 7-8:

7 If there is a poor man among your brothers…, do not be hardhearted or tightfisted toward your poor brother. 8 Rather be openhanded and freely lend him whatever he needs.

I wonder if governments are being tightfisted for the ‘sake of the planet’. I just don’t like the long term argument, ‘you’ll thank us in 30 years when world temperature hasn’t raised 30 degrees – in the meantime you’ll need to learn to cope.’ Aren’t governments ignoring real needs now for a ‘possible’ future. Whatever my opinion, as always, the poor get the raw end of the deal. I can tighten my belt, take a few less holidays, or get the bus. I wonder, for those who have nothing, not even a belt, what hope is left when global markets force up the price of basic foodstuffs?