As we move toward Earth Day 2008, April 22, here are some insights I have gained through my involvement in two efforts that have opened my eyes and broadened my understanding of the importance of environmental stewardship and my personal responsibility to live wisely within God's creation.

First, geologists are considering the addition of a new epoch, the Anthropocene, to the geological time scale. The Anthropocene epoch would mark "for the first time in Earth's history, humans have become a predominant geophysical force. (It) also would recognize that humans now share responsibility with natural forces for the state of our planet's ecological environment."

Second, bishops in London and Liverpool are challenging their congregations to use Lent for fasting - not a "food fast," but a "carbon fast" to encourage people to reduce their carbon footprint for 40 days by engaging in simple energy-saving actions each day in response to global warming.

All religions speak about our responsibility to care for creation, yet we have not completely fulfilled this responsibility. We take much for granted, forgetting that our actions and inactions, here and around the world, all have consequences.

Paul Crutzen, atmospheric chemist and Nobel Prize winner, has summarized some of the impacts of our actions.

For example, we have transformed 30 to 50 percent of land surface, and we use more than half of all accessible fresh water. We've removed 25 to 35 percent of primary production of the oceans through mechanized human fisheries.

We've substantially increased several important heat-trapping greenhouse gases in the atmosphere: Carbon dioxide, by more than 30 percent, and methane, by more than 100 percent.

We are more than a ripple in the ocean; we have altered the planet in staggering ways. Yet, we have the promising ability to rise to the task before us - that of stewardship of our global environment and, for people of faith, stewardship of creation. It has never been more compelling or urgent for us to respond to the challenges before us.

Real solutions exist. And they can begin now.

We can start simply by being energy efficient and by conserving energy at home and in our communities.

Some simple things we can do include: Using compact fluorescent light bulbs; selecting the air-dry option on our dishwashers; choosing the cold-cold option when washing clothes; and hanging our clothes on a line to dry when the season and weather allow.

We can also communicate to our leadership, including our congressional delegation, governor and state legislators, support of legislation to cap and reduce CO2 emissions and to deploy low-carbon energy technologies. We must encourage development of renewable energy resources.

Please know that I do not claim to be an expert on the environment, nor do I have all the answers. However, I do know that my actions affect not only the lives of the people around me and across the world, but also the lives of generations to come.

As a person of faith, I believe I am called to be a good steward of God's miraculous creation.

So I pray that together we can find responsible ways to care for this world God has entrusted to us.

(Kiesey of Fargo is bishop of the United Methodist Church, Dakotas Area, and a member of the steering committee, Prairie Climate Stewardship Network. - Editor)