Question
Gramps,
Was climate change ever prophesied in scripture or by modern-day prophets?
Avery
Answer
Avery,
This is an interesting question because the phrase “climate change” is modern, but the idea of significant changes in the earth’s environment appears in both scripture and the teachings of modern prophets. From a Latter-day Saint perspective, however, it is important to distinguish between scientific discussions about climate change and prophetic teachings about the condition of the earth in the last days.
Neither the Bible, the Book of Mormon, nor modern prophets have specifically prophesied what we call climate change today. However, they have foretold widespread environmental disturbances, natural disasters, and changes affecting the earth before the Second Coming of Jesus Christ.
Jesus Christ taught that the earth would experience unusual conditions before His return. In the New Testament, He said:
“For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.” (Matthew 24:7)
The Savior also taught:
“And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations.” (Luke 21:25)
These prophecies are part of what Latter-day Saints call the “signs of the times.” The Church’s Guide to the Scriptures explains that signs of the times are events that will precede the Savior’s return and help prepare the faithful for His coming.
The Doctrine and Covenants contains some of the strongest descriptions of environmental disturbances in the latter days. In a revelation given through Joseph Smith, the Lord declared:
“And there shall be men standing in that generation, that shall not pass until they shall see an overflowing scourge; for a desolating sickness shall cover the land.” (Doctrine and Covenants 45:31)
The same revelation speaks of earthquakes, storms, and widespread destruction occurring in the last days. Later revelations describe the earth being shaken and the elements reacting to God’s power and purposes.
One of the most striking passages is found in Doctrine and Covenants 88:88-90:
“For after your testimony cometh wrath and indignation upon the people.
For after your testimony cometh the testimony of earthquakes, that shall cause groanings in the midst of her, and men shall fall upon the ground and shall not be able to stand.
And also cometh the testimony of the voice of thunderings, and the voice of lightnings, and the voice of tempests, and the voice of the waves of the sea heaving themselves beyond their bounds.”
Notice the imagery: earthquakes, storms, and seas moving beyond their boundaries. While Latter-day Saints may see parallels between these descriptions and modern environmental concerns, the scriptures do not explain the scientific causes behind such events. Their focus is on spiritual preparation rather than environmental science.
The Book of Mormon contains similar prophecies. Mormon foretold:
“Yea, it shall come in a day when there shall be great pollutions upon the face of the earth.” (Mormon 8:31)
The word “pollutions” has caused some readers to wonder whether Mormon was describing modern environmental problems. While that is an interesting possibility, the Church has not officially interpreted this verse as a prophecy specifically about modern climate change. The chapter’s broader context focuses on the wickedness and conditions of the latter days.
Modern prophets have likewise emphasized the sacred nature of the earth and our responsibility to care for it. President Russell M. Nelson taught:
“The earth and all life upon it are of divine origin.” (The Creation)
In that same General Conference address, President Nelson explained that the earth was created by God for His children and has a divine destiny in the plan of salvation. This doctrine encourages respect for the planet and gratitude for God’s creations.
Latter-day Saints believe that the earth itself will one day be renewed and receive a paradisiacal glory. Just as people are resurrected and glorified, the earth also has an eternal future in God’s plan.
At the same time, Church leaders have generally avoided issuing official declarations on specific scientific theories or political approaches to climate change. Instead, they have focused on principles such as stewardship, gratitude, avoiding waste, and caring for God’s creations.
Because of this, the Church has not officially identified modern climate change as a specific fulfillment of prophecy. Some Latter-day Saints may see connections between increasing reports of droughts, floods, severe storms, wildfires, or other environmental challenges and the scriptural prophecies concerning the last days. However, the Church has not made such an official connection.
That distinction is important. Prophecy tells us that the earth will experience significant disturbances before the Second Coming. Science seeks to understand the physical causes of environmental changes. These are related questions, but they are not the same question.
The scriptures consistently direct our attention toward faith, repentance, covenant keeping, and discipleship rather than speculation about exactly how every prophecy will unfold. The purpose of Signs of the Times is not simply to satisfy curiosity, but to encourage preparation and faithfulness.
Ultimately, the central message of scripture is not that we should become experts at identifying every environmental trend. Rather, it is that we should be prepared to meet the Lord whenever He comes.
So, was climate change specifically prophesied in scripture or by modern prophets? Not in the way the term is commonly used today. Neither scripture nor modern prophets have identified modern climate change as a specific prophetic event. However, scripture clearly teaches that the earth will experience unusual disturbances, natural disasters, and dramatic changes before the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. Modern prophets have likewise taught that the earth is God’s creation, that it has a divine destiny, and that we have a responsibility to care for it wisely. For Latter-day Saints, those teachings provide a framework for understanding both prophetic signs and our duty as stewards of the world God has given us.
Gramps
