Recurring heatwaves. Floods. Droughts. Rising energy prices. Geopolitical tensions over oil. Climate issues are everywhere… but it is often hard to know who to believe.
A Rocha is organising a special week at Les Courmettes (18–24 October) to explore the major debates of our time, in the light of science, history and the Christian faith.
The debates have become so polarised that many people end up tuning out. On the one hand, some are predicting the imminent collapse of our civilisation. On the other, others claim that climate change is nothing more than a massive hoax. Caught in the middle, many Christians are no longer quite sure what to think.
Should we trust the scientists? Are the media exaggerating? Are politicians using the climate issue to push other agendas? Is climate change really caused by human activity? Does the Bible have anything to say about how we use energy? How far should a Christian go in taking action?
If you’ve ever asked yourself any of these questions, this week is for you.
A week to understand climate change… without slogans or caricatures
From 18 to 24 October 2026, A Rocha France is organising a week-long training course at Les Courmettes focusing on energy, climate and the Christian faith.
The aim is not to preach or to ask participants to subscribe to a particular ideology. It is, above all, about understanding:
- Understanding the science.
- Understanding the history.
- Understanding the issues at stake.
- Understanding the arguments behind the different positions.
- Understanding what the Bible says… and what it does not say.
The week will be led by Jean-François Mouhot, director of A Rocha France, an environmental historian and specialist in the history of energy and climate change. His aim is not to provide ready-made answers, but to give participants the tools they need to think for themselves.
Open to everyone
No scientific background is required.
If terms such as ‘greenhouse effect’, ‘carbon neutrality’ or ‘IPCC’ seem mysterious to you, you are exactly the target audience.
The explanations will be accessible, illustrated and presented step by step. Everyone will be able to ask questions, seek clarification or voice their objections.
Are you a climate sceptic or a climate realist? Do you simply have questions? Do you doubt certain claims you’ve heard in the media? Do you wonder whether the situation is being over-dramatised?
You’re very welcome.
Are you already convinced of the reality of climate change but looking to better understand its mechanisms or its implications for your faith?
You are just as welcome.
The aim is to create a space where we can reflect together, in an atmosphere of trust and respect.
Why is the climate getting warmer?
One of the first days will be devoted to science.
Why do so many climate scientists today conclude that the current warming is mainly due to greenhouse gas emissions linked to human activities?
How does the greenhouse effect work?
What observations support the claim that the climate is changing?
Why are natural explanations (solar activity, volcanoes, climate cycles, etc.) not sufficient to account for the observed warming?
The aim will be to make these questions easy to understand, without complicated equations or technical jargon.
How did we end up here?
To understand the present, we must also look to the past.
We will explore several centuries of history to understand how our societies have become dependent on fossil fuels.
We will discuss the Industrial Revolution, oil, coal and gas, but also the ‘energy slaves’ who today work unseen on behalf of each and every one of us through the machines we use every day.
We will also trace the history of the discovery of climate change: how did scientists gradually come to understand the role of CO₂? Why were their conclusions sometimes contested? How has climate scepticism developed over the decades?
Understanding these stories helps us to better understand today’s debates.
And what about the Bible in all this?
The Bible obviously does not mention CO₂ or electric cars.
However, it speaks at length about creation, justice, human responsibility, hope, wealth, consumption, the poor and the way we live on earth.
We will seek to answer several questions:
- Is caring for creation an integral part of the Christian mission?
- Does salvation concern only human beings, or does it encompass the whole of creation?
- What does it mean to love one’s neighbour in a world facing climate change?
- What hope can we proclaim without falling into either naïve optimism or doomsday thinking?
These reflections will be informed by the Scriptures, but also by the works of several contemporary theologians.
Is it possible to take action without feeling guilty?
One of the difficulties with this topic is that it can quickly give rise to feelings of guilt or discouragement.
- Should we stop flying?
- Do ‘small actions’ really make any difference?
- Should Christians get involved in politics?
- How can we distinguish between civic engagement, activism and Christian witness?
- What should we make of the dramatic actions of certain environmental groups?
- What are the most effective ways to make a positive impact?
These are all questions that will be addressed calmly, without oversimplification or judgement.
A week to nourish your spiritual life as well
Understanding is essential. But understanding alone is not enough.
Each day will also include times of prayer, Bible meditation and worship.
For climate change is not merely a scientific or political challenge: it also invites us to deepen our trust in God, our compassion for the most vulnerable, and our hope in his Kingdom.
Further reading
Throughout the week, a selection of recent publications will be made available. You will be able to browse or borrow books on popular science, history, theology and ethics to further the discussions and continue your reflection after the training course.
What if now were the right time?
Nous vivons une époque où les sujets liés au climat et à l’énergie influencent de plus en plus nos vies, nos choix politiques, nos économies et nos relations internationales. Ils interrogent aussi notre manière de vivre notre foi.
Plutôt que de subir ces débats ou de les éviter, pourquoi ne pas prendre quelques jours pour les explorer avec sérieux, humilité et espérance ?
Que vous soyez convaincu, sceptique, curieux ou simplement désireux de mieux comprendre le monde dans lequel nous vivons, cette semaine vous donnera des clés pour réfléchir, dialoguer, prier… et agir.
‘Energy and Climate’ Week: Understanding the twin major challenges of the 21st century in the light of science, history and the Bible.
From Sunday 18 to Saturday 24 October 2026
Les Courmettes (Tourrettes-sur-Loup, Alpes-Maritimes)
Presenter:
Jean-François Mouhot, PhD in History, climate change specialist, author of *Des Esclaves énergétiques: réflexions sur le changement climatique* and co-editor of *Evangile et Changement climatique*, director of A Rocha France.
Take the time to understand. You’ll come away with much more than just answers: a clearer picture of the issues at stake, resources to fuel your thinking and, we hope, a renewed sense of hope.