Blog note. Jesus indicated that ‘fearful sights’ (various natural disasters) would occur leading up to the time known as the Tribulation and Great Tribulation (a combined seven year period of great destruction on earth). Although these types of things have occurred in the past for centuries and thousands of years, they could be identified as the ‘season of the times’ due to the ferociousness of these events. They would be occurring in greater intensity, severity, frequency, size, duration, scope … just like the pains that a woman experiences in labor the farther along she is in the labor process. We are in the ‘season of the times’ that comes just before the seven (7) year Tribulation/Great Tribulation period
… And great earthquakes shall be in diverse places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven. (Luke 21:11).
… And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; (Luke 21:25)
… Men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken; (Luke 21:26)
… This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. (2 Timothy 3:1)
Jesus is giving a series of prophecies about what to look for as the age of grace comes to a close. These verses are several of many such prophecies from throughout the Bible. 2017 was the worst year in recorded history for the intensity, frequency, severity, duration and occurrence of a large number of severe natural disasters worldwide. Earthquakes, volcanoes, hurricanes, typhoons, cyclones, torrential flooding, unprecedented wildfires in unusual places, devastating droughts, excessive/scorching heat setting records everywhere, record snowfalls in Europe and Russia. Snow in the Arabia. This list can go on. Most studied Eschatologists believe these ‘fearful sights’ and massive natural disasters are all part of the ‘CONVERGENCE’ of signs that this Biblical and prophetic age is closing. Most people who study prophecy are familiar with the routine reference(s) made that these things will be like a woman having labor.

Ireland becomes second country in the world after UK to declare ‘climate emergency’

‘Things will deteriorate very rapidly unless we move very swiftly and the window of opportunity to do that is fast closing,’ warns climate action minister Richard Bruton

Independent.co.uk. May 11, 2019

The Republic of Ireland has become the second country in the world to declare a climate emergency.

The country’s climate action minister, Richard Bruton, warned climate change was the greatest threat facing humanity and the level of urgency was justified. 

“We’re reaching a tipping point in respect of climate deterioration,” he said.

“Things will deteriorate very rapidly unless we move very swiftly and the window of opportunity to do that is fast closing.”

A amendment brought by the Fianna Fáil party calling on the parliament “to examine how [the Irish government] can improve its response to the issue of biodiversity loss” was accepted without a vote on Thursday.

It followed the release of a parliamentary report presenting a “cross-party consensus for action” on climate change.

Swedish teenage environmental campaigner Greta Thunberg welcomed the outcome and urged other nations to follow suit, tweeting: “Great news from Ireland!! Who is next?”

The 16-year-old activist, who has spearheaded protests across Europe and is fast becoming one of the leading voices of the green movement, added: “And remember: #ClimateEmergency means leaving fossil fuels in the ground.”

The Irish Green party leader, Eamon Ryan, who moved the amendment, described the landmark decision as “historic”.

Fine Gael’s Hildegarde Naughton, who is chair of the climate action committee, said that while the move was “an important statement” more action was needed and urged the government to fast-track legislative changes.

The move comes weeks after a national climate emergency was declared by the UK parliament on 1 May.

The symbolic motion followed 11 days of street protests and disruption in London by Extinction Rebellion environmental campaign group. 

The activists hope to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions to zero by 2025 and to end biodiversity loss – steps that have won the backing of left-leaning politicians across the world.

The British government has set a 2050 target date to reach net zero emissions, which it says can be achieved without causing substantial economic damage and at a relatively low cost.

EU leaders have also put action on climate change at the top of the agenda in the next five years.