Before modern technology was introduced our ancestors used to forecast a change of weather by observing changes in their habitat. A change in the color of the sky, the fall of a beehive, the flight of sea birds into the mainland, the crying of frogs indicated a change in the weather was about to take place. These were their natural alarms. These were sent by God. However climate change has changed all this.
Image : University of the South Pacific
During the past decade, Fiji has experienced a range of unfavorable climate-related events. There have been several strong tropical cyclones, with associated flooding and other adverse consequences. Fiji also suffered its most severe drought on record during 1997-1998. Recently, there have also been health issues associated with climatic conditions, such as dengue fever and typhoid outbreaks.
Climate change has affected communities living in the coastal area, highlands and islands that depend on natural resources for their livelihood and medicinal purposes.
In the coastal and island communities significant changes are taking place. Rising sea level has obliged villagers to build their houses further inland. Villagers have to go further out to sea to fish. Flooding has caused mudslides along riverbanks. Government developments have also contributed to climate change in deforestation and pollution in air and water. All these changes have been happening rapidly.
Along the timeline to 2060 and beyond, if we fail to address the causes of these changes in our environment, some islands will become deserted and their inhabitants will move to urban areas. Disease and sickness will become more common due to overcrowding and pollution. Food production will be a problem. Future generations will be obliged to live in life threatening situations.
Fiji is a party to all the international conventions and treaties on climate change, two of which are the United Nations Framework Convention on climate change (UNFCCC) and the Kyoto Protocol.
One task I took on with great enthusiasm in Fiji was running a climate change workshop in a rural area. Rural residents are generally not aware of the changes that are occurring to them. Discussing with them the changes that are occurring led them to the view that the world is coming to an end. They did not give a second thought to burning things or polluting the environment. In reading Genesis, we emphasized that God just did not create Earth just for us to live in, but also to appreciate it as a gift that we should maintain for those who will come after us, our children and their descendants.
The Columban JPIC, in responding to this issue, has been raising awareness at parish level, presenting climate change not just as an environmental crisis but also as a spiritual crisis.
Our workshop stresses the need to respect and protect the gift of creation. Genesis 1 tells us that God entrusted us with the care of our work; we humans are therefore God’s stewards. In harming the atmosphere, destroying our forests, eliminating many species from our earth and its seas, we dishonor our Creator and the gift God has given us. We need to consider carefully our choices and lifestyles and so lessen our contribution to climate change. Our faith calls us to humility, respect for life and the gifts of nature God has provided.
Visenia Navelinikoro is the Columban JPIC Co-ordinator in Fiji
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