Climate Change a Justice Issue

It is now well accepted that the high consumption life-styles of the richer nations and wealthy elites throughout the world are responsible for some of the ecological threats facing the planet. Human activity, especially industrialisation, continues to harm the natural climate balance. Public understanding of the issues around climate change has increased remarkably in New Zealand over the past few years. While a deliberate government effort influences the purpose and direction of the debate, it is no longer the preserve of scientists, politicians and economists. We are all urged to be smart in our responses to a carbon-constrained world. The Catholic bishops have noted that out faith and religious tradition have something to offer. They stress that the issue of environmental justice evokes solidarity with the poor and respect for the common good. The Anglican bishops highlight belief about the care of God’s creation and the sacred integrity of Earth. We are part of our environment, with the power to change it for good or ill. Fr Thomas Berry, a noted cultural historian and Catholic priest, holds that the crisis arises from the simple question of whether economic profit, or the integral functioning of the planet, will be the normative value in guiding the human community into the future. Such religious and ethical questions raise expectations of a vigorous contribution from a faith and moral perspective. How are we to fulfil a call to be stewards of creation when we have the capacity to alter that creation? How can the family of nations respect and protect the integrity of God’s creation, while providing for the common good and economic progress? As a missionary I am motivated in terms of justice, peace and integrity. This is my way to be in the world, to see it as it really is, and to make sense of it. I have been around long enough, and with experience enough, to know what perpetuates poverty, human rights violations, conflict and environmental destruction. Deep down I am convinced that we must re-awaken our sensitivities to creation and to life.

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