Imagine 20 years from now, in the year 2032. Instead of grassy lawns, people maintain edible landscapes where they grow food. Homes feature solar-electric systems and floors made of renewable bamboo. Rather than every household owning its vehicles, neighborhoods share cars. Bike trails and high-speed rail are common.

Richard Fireman, public policy coordinator for North Carolina Interfaith Power & Light, offered this vision at a presentation on climate change and energy to representatives of local houses of worship and other organizations. Fireman, 68, a retired emergency-room physician living in Mars Hill, N.C., spoke about reducing personal and congregational energy use; outreach to assist low-income households in weatherizing homes; solar power installation on congregational property; and public policy related to energy and climate change.

Personal and institutional habits would have to change, he said, but churches can play a prominent role, as they have with other social movements.

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