In Albuquerque, the Conservation Carnivale brings the Rio Grande’s bosque ecosystem alive with theatre—and some silliness, too. Ringleader Endion Schichtel knows how hard it is for people to see what’s happening in the world. But that doesn’t mean environmental education shouldn't be fun.

New Mexicans already face the impacts of climate change, including uncertain water supplies for irrigation, dry riverbeds, forest die-offs, and wildfires. When it comes to climate change and climate action, what lessons do communities of faith hold for people both religious and secular? How do people grieve the loss of species and ecosystems? And how has white supremacy shaped both the climate—and Christian theology? Correspondent Laura Paskus and Larry Rasmussen, professor emeritus at Union Theological Seminary, dive into all these topics.

Environment reporter Laura Paskus talks with Barbara L. Chillcott, senior attorney with the Western Environmental Law Center, to learn why conservation groups are suing the U.S. Department of the Interior over documents related to a 2021 report about the federal oil and gas leasing program.

Correspondent:

Laura Paskus

Guests:

Endion Schichtel, Ringleader, Conservation Carnival

Frank, Rio Grande Silvery Minnow

Abuela, Rio Grande Cottonwood

Prudence, North American Porcupine

Larry Rasmussen, professor emeritus, Union Theological Seminary

Barbara Chilcott, Western Environmental Law Center

For More Information:

Conservation Carnivale

Conservation Carnivale on Instagram

Earth Honoring Faith Book

Religion and Views on Climate and Energy Issues – Pew Research Institute

Faith groups increasingly join fight against climate change – ABC News

https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2021/01/27/executive-order-on-tackling-the-climate-crisis-at-home-and-abroad/

https://www.doi.gov/sites/doi.gov/files/report-on-the-federal-oil-and-gas-leasing-program-doi-eo-14008.pdf

Visit the NMPBS Video App: https://portal.knme.org/show/our-land-new-mexicos-environmental-past-present-and-future/

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