from Nives Battaglia – Ethiopia
Climate change is a pressing issue that affects us all, and it’s inspiring to see individuals and organizations taking positive action to address it. In this article, I’ll be sharing my experience attending a workshop organized by a Franciscan, where we explored various topics related to climate change and personal responsibility. From discussing the importance of cultural approaches to care for creation, to understanding the social justice implications of the issue, the workshop was an eye-opening experience that ended with a personal commitment to make a difference.
It’s important to spread awareness about climate change and encourage public dialogue around it. The Pope’s suggestion of promoting intergenerational dialogue is a great way to bridge the gap between different age groups and ensure that everyone is informed and engaged. By listening to the perspectives of both the elderly, who have valuable experience and knowledge, and the young, who are the future of our planet, we can work together to create positive change. Let’s continue to raise our voices and use our drumbeat to spread the message far and wide!
The major fossil fuel companies which we know well are Shell, Mobil, Total, Exxon, Q8, (do this name ring any bells?) they have planned to prospect for new oil and gas fields, which are in Africa, of course, to be develop. We are exploited by powerful forces, by some financial giants, who promise easy life through their products.
It’s concerning to hear about violent instability caused by companies in Mozambique and protests in South Africa. To limit global warming to 1.5 C and avoid the worst climate impacts, the International Energy Agency has recommended that all new fossil-fuel developments must stop. We should hold these companies accountable and prioritize transitioning towards renewable energy and sustainable practices in all sectors. Let’s work together to create a more sustainable future for our planet.
One of the few glimpses of sunlight, in the gloom of this crisis, or the good news is that renewable energy is now the cheapest form of energy in most parts of the world, and we as church can play a key role in catalyzing a fair and fast transition to get to clean energy.
Human and trees live in systems. System evolves to be resilient to be regenerative and efficient at the same time. Ecosystem are wired to heal themselves. We have totally undervalued it. To achieve it we must hear what the trees are telling us. Which is? About the importance of society, a civil society. The importance of caring, of reciprocating, of respect. That we are interdependent. We must relearn all of this. To treat the natural world not as a system, but as a commodity to be exploited and destroyed- that isn’t working out so well for us. So, the future cannot be foreseen, but we can commit now to the good work on which a better future depends. Start paving a better future for everyone now and act soon, to protect Mother Earth.
Tree action that you can implement now: 1) ecological conversion; 2) footprint redaction; 3) raising a prophetic voice.
Sustainable development is divided in three:
- Environmental=reduce pollution, water restoration, sanitations, model of school, health, etc.
- Social= Capacity to produce income, to guarantee well been, security, health, instruction, democracy, equally distributed justice.
- Economical=capacity to produce income
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- Renewable energy= sun and wind, (solar panels and wind turbine requires mining finite and very toxic earth metals.)
- Hydroelectric power produces a staggering amount of green- house gases.
- Bioenergetics power= Organic matter burned as a fuel
- Geothermal energy= heat from the oceans
- Eolic offshore= capture the wind energy and generate electricity.
Thank you for reading! As we navigate the challenges of climate change, it’s important to remember that we all have a role to play in creating a better future for our planet. I encourage you to make a personal commitment to take responsibility and make positive changes in your own life. Let’s work together to create a more sustainable world, filled with love and luck for all.