Creation The main greenhouse gases

1 God created the earth and creation is The main greenhouse gas is carbon good (Genesis 1:31). “God took the dioxide (CO ), produced by burning The earth is warming 2 man and settled him in the garden of fossil fuels (coal, oil and gas) and What is the problem? Eden to cultivate and take care of it” through deforestation (eg. logging and (Genesis 2:15). clearing forest for farming). Other The air temperature at the earth’s surface has risen by 0.8oC, and most of this warming has important greenhouse gases are occurred in the last 30 years. Leading climate change scientists on the IPCC Creation is beautiful; and not only methane, (mostly released from (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) say that it is 95 per cent certain that because it supplies us with resources! belching cows and flooded rice paddy changes in climate are happening as a result of a ‘large-scale warming’ effect caused by God created trees that were pleasant fields) and nitrous oxide, (mostly from human activities.1 This has already affected hundreds of thousands of lives. to look at as well as trees to give food petrol fumes and fertilisers). (Genesis 2:9). As the atmosphere warms: • glaciers and Arctic ice sheets are melting The Old Testament people were full of • rising sea levels are already flooding coastal areas wonder at the power and beauty of • extreme weather, floods and droughts are expected to happen more often creation, reflecting its Creator (Psalms • tropical diseases and pests — such as mosquitoes that carry malaria — may move into 148:3-5). new areas that were once too cold to support them. They saw themselves as guests on the This will affect all of us, but will affect the poorest people in less economically developed land: “for the land belongs to me; and countries (LEDCs) most of all. you are only strangers and guests of mine” (Leviticus 25:23). How is global warming caused? Earth’s temperature goes through natural They shared its produce with the poor cycles of warming and cooling. However, and held the land in trust for future human activities are increasing the amount generations (Leviticus 23:22; 25:24). of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. These gases trap the sun’s heat and warm the earth - called “the greenhouse effect”.

Without the greenhouse effect, the 1. Look up the Bible references given. 1. Explain the greenhouse effect in earth would be too cold for life. But if What do they say about how we should your own words. there are too many greenhouse gases treat creation? in the atmosphere, life is likely to 2. How does human activity increase become impossible for humans. 2. Find other passages in the Bible global warming? that show the beauty of creation. 1 IPCC, AR5, 2013, Chapter 10 p3 3. What human activities increase the

3. How do you care for creation? amount of CO2 in the atmosphere? Pause for thought...

“Faith... by revealing the love of God the Creator, enables us to respect nature all the more, and to discern in it a grammar written by the hand of God and a dwelling place Action entrusted to our protection and care.” We are more likely to protect what we truly appreciate. Take a

few minutes outside to simply be, to take notice and appreciate Pope Francis, Lumen Fidei, 2013, para. 55 the beauty of creation.

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Covenant The greenhouse effect and climate 2 “I am now establishing my covenant A global challenge with you and with your descendants to Much of our weather depends on ocean come, and with every living creature temperatures and currents. that is with you” (Genesis 9:9-10). What is happening now? IPCC scientists forecast that heavy rainfall like that which caused the UK floods in 2014 will As air temperatures rise: If we break God’s covenant by become more frequent over many areas of the globe. All around the world there are signs damaging creation, we also risk that our climate is already changing: • oceans become warmer and expand damaging our relationship with God. • polar ice and many glaciers melt • Since 1900, on average, sea levels have risen by about 19cm globally We have a responsibility to care for the • Since the late 1970s, Arctic sea-ice has reduced by an area about the size of • ocean temperatures cool in some gift that God has given us. places due to melted ice and warm Madagascar each decade 1 in others due to warmer air • Glaciers have continued to shrink almost worldwide. If human beings ignore God’s covenant • as a result ocean currents slow, with all living things and continue to quicken or change direction How fast is global temperature rising? plunder the earth’s resources and • El Niño and La Niña (systems of It takes time for greenhouse gases to affect the atmosphere. pollute its atmosphere, climate change ocean currents and winds in the o 2 • If emissions continue to stay high, warming could be 4.8 C this century. will increase. Pacific) may change, causing • To avoid the worst consequences of climate change, world leaders have committed to droughts and floods in Indonesia, o keep global temperature rises below 2 C this century (compared with pre-industrial We cannot be sure that the UK floods Australia, the eastern coast of levels). were a direct result of climate change Africa, South America, Canada and • Many vulnerable countries want a 1.5ºC limit. We have a 50 per cent chance of but we know that, with climate the US achieving this if we cut emissions by 70-90 per cent, below 2010 levels. change, such storms could be more • tropical storms, which depend on severe. warm seas, are expected to become Negative impacts of temperature rise of above 2°C more intense. It is widely accepted that any rise in global temperature of more than 2oC would change the “We need a decisive ‘yes’ to care for environment permanently. This would affect people living in less economically developed creation and a strong commitment to countries most of all. reverse those trends that risk making • In Latin America, changing rainfall patterns and heat extremes would affect agriculture. the situation of decay irreversible.” For example, in Brazil, at 2°C warming, soy bean crop yields could decrease by up to 70 Pope Benedict XVI per cent. 1. Explain how higher global • In the Middle East and North Africa, 20-40 per cent of summers would have highly covenant = promise temperatures can change the climate.

unusual heat extremes, affecting food production as well as health. 2. Why is it impossible to prove that a 1. How does harming the earth risk • In Central Asia, glaciers could reduce by 50 per cent, meaning less water for agriculture particular weather event, like the most 3 damaging our relationship with God? in the lowlands. recent UK flooding, is the result of • In India and Indonesia alone, it is estimated that by 2050 more than 58 million people 2. In what ways have we “plundered” climate change? 4 will be at risk from sea level rise. the earth? 3. Explain how global warming could 1Met Office, based on IPCC, AR5, 2013 2CAFOD, Right Climate for Development, p8 3World Bank, Turn Down 3. How would/did you feel to suffer the have helped to cause the most recent 4 the Heat, 2014 IPCC, AR5, 2013 effects of the most recent UK floods? UK storms. Pause for thought... “We have a stark choice: either we confront climate change, or we won’t be able to end poverty. We have partners on the ground in over 40 countries telling us it’s desperately Action poor people who are hardest hit when a harvest fails, when their animals are weakened

by drought, or when the glacier that supplies water for their crops is melting and Calculate your carbon footprint using one of the many online calculators. shrinking.” Chris Bain, Director of CAFOD

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What can creation tell us of Coastal protection Asia: God? 3 The mangroves break the waves and Bangladesh “You have only to ask the cattle, for protect Bangladesh from tidal surges, them to instruct you, and the birds of but other measures are needed to The Sundarbans Reserve Forest is the largest single mangrove forest in the world. 62 per the sky, for them to inform you… protect against sea level rise. cent of the forest is in Bangladesh. It is a unique ecosystem with hundreds of species of There is not one such creature who will plants, fish, birds, crocodiles and mammals, including Bengal tigers. The Sundarbans gives not know that the hand of God has In some parts of Bangladesh, barriers a livelihood to millions of people and it protects the coast from cyclones and floods: arranged things like this! In his hand is have been built of boulders and earth. the soul of every living thing and the However, these are threatened by “The complex network of mangrove roots can help reduce wave energy, limit erosion and breath of every human being!” erosion and, even if global form a critical barrier to the dangers posed by the strengthening tropical storms... which (Job 12:7-10) temperature rises by no more than have been assailing coastal communities in recent years due to climate change.” 2ºC, sea levels are predicted to rise 2 The Importance of Mangroves, UNEP, 2014. “Ever since the creation of the world, 80cm in this region by 2100. A rise of the invisible existence of God and his 1m would leave one fifth of the 3 Khalil Hawlader knows this very well. To make a living, he collects and sells palm leaves for everlasting power have been clearly country under water. use as thatch: “I have to go to the Sundarbans as I have no job to do here in the village.” seen by the mind’s understanding of Khalil has twice been in the mangrove forest during a cyclone. On both occasions the created things.” It is impossible to retreat to higher mangroves have protected him from the worst of the storm. (Romans 1:20) areas. Bangladesh has one of the world’s highest population densities, 4 The forest is legally protected, but the laws are not enforced strongly enough. It has been “[God] produced many diverse 1277 per square kilometre ; there are badly damaged. Local villagers say that the forest is far less dense than it was 20-25 years creatures, so that what was lacking in no empty areas left. one expression of his goodness could ago. There has been illegal logging by large companies and poor local people over-fish the 2 3 be made up by another; for the Turn down the heat, World Bank, p167 Sea forest pools and take wood from the forest in order to survive, disturbing the natural level rise in Bangladesh and the , balance. goodness which God has whole and Germanwatch, 2004 4CIA World Fact Book together, creatures share in many CAFOD partner, the Centre for Coastal Environmental Conservation (CCEC), works with different ways.” local people to reduce poverty through sustainable development that protects the coastal (St. Thomas Aquinas, Summa 47.1) 1. Why do the Sundarbans matter? ecosystem. CCEC is starting a programme to help people find ways of making a living that 2. Find out about different sea barriers do not involve going into the forest. around the world. 1. What does creation tell us about Khalil Hawlader is one of those taking part. At the moment, to feed his family and keep his God? 3. Much of Bangladesh is at the same 17 and 10-year-old sons in school, he faces possible attack by tigers, robbers and 2. What do you think the ecosystem in height above sea level as London. How kidnappers. Khalil says, “If I can earn for my family in the village I will not go to the the Sundarbans tells us about God? might rising global sea levels affect Sundarbans anymore.” Bangladesh, and London? Explain any 3. Have you ever experienced God differences. mangrove = a tree with above-ground roots that grows on marshes or sea shores through creation? 4. What do you think is meant by the ecosystem = a habitat, along with the plants and animals that live in it 4. Caring for people is the best way to term ‘climate refugee’ and how might

care for the planet.” Discuss. this relate to Bangladesh in the future?

Pause for thought...

“Local communities, governments and international communities must remember that Action God always forgives, man often forgives, nature never forgives.”

Play our emergency board game: Flood! Caritas Bangladesh

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Image on reverse: Mohammad Omed Gazi examines a pool in the Sundarbans CAF3022 Registered charity no. 285776

Creation in other faiths and Formation of a tropical storm Asia: cultures 4 Philippines “In Mayan culture, the Earth is our mother, we are her children. But now we are destroying our Mother Earth 3. Winds flow outward above the Hurricanes, cyclones, and typhoons are all the same weather phenomenon; we just use storm, allowing air to rise. different names for these tropical storms in different places. In the Atlantic and Northeast and this has global effects.” Pacific, the term “hurricane” is used. In the Northwest Pacific, the term “typhoon” is used. (Virgilio Ramirez, Director of Radio “Cyclones” occur in the South Pacific and Indian Ocean. Tropical storms are likely to Balam Estero, Guatemala) become more intense, due to climate change. 4. Humid air rising makes 5. Light “We regard our survival as an the clouds of the storm. winds The poorest people are most affected undeniable right. As co-inhabitants of outside the this planet, other species too have this tropical Low income countries carry 13 per cent of the global exposure to tropical storms but 81 per right for survival.” storm cent of the risk of being killed by one.1 Hurricane Katrina in the US killed about 2,000 steer it (Buddhist declaration on nature, Assisi, people while Hurricane Mitch in Latin America left about 11,000 dead and 8,000 missing. and make Both were category five hurricanes. In the Philippines, where 43 per cent of the population 29 September 1986) it grow. survive on less than $2 a day, Typhoon Haiyan in 2013 affected 14 million people. It was 2. Winds coming together “This we know; the Earth does not force air upward. the biggest typhoon ever to hit land. belong to humanity; humanity belongs

Violeta, from Bantayan Island, one of those who had their homes destroyed, said: “I know to the earth.” (Chief Seattle, to the 1. Warm ocean water (more than that we cannot build the same house again, because we have no source of money... Some president of the USA, 1854) 27˚C) provides energy for the tropical people lost their boats. We normally try to take a ride with the people who own the boats... storm and causes more evaporation, making humid air and clouds. We depend entirely on fishing. For now we are relying on receiving goods and donations.” “The Earth is green and beautiful and Allah has appointed you his stewards Around the world, the poorest households can struggle to cope with frequent extreme over it.” (Attributed to the Prophet of weather events because they: Islam, Muhammad.) • Rely on seasonal employment • Cannot get insurance or credit 1. Explain in your own words how • Have little access to clean water • Live in poor quality housing “The rivers are the veins of God, the warm oceans cause tropical storms. ocean is his blood, and the trees are • Own no land and have no saving • Are on the margins of society 2. Suggest reasons to explain why the hairs of his body…” more people die in tropical storms in Hindu scripture Srimad Bhãgavatam LEDCs than in MEDCs. Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) 2.1.32-33 In the Philippines, where typhoons are common, DRR is an integral part of CAFOD’s work. 3. Development means people moving For example, when helping communities like Violeta’s to rebuild their homes, our partner, 1. Find out what other cultures or towards better living conditions. How , explains how different roof shapes and materials behave in high winds and the faiths believe about caring for creation. can development help people to be building techniques that can be used to build stronger houses. This helps people to make less affected by climate change? informed decisions and prepare for future typhoons. 2. What differences did you find with Catholic beliefs? 4. Find out more about DRR on 1UN 2009 Global Assessment Report on DRR, 1.3.1 CAFOD’s secondary school emergency 3. What elements did you find in pages. common? Pause for thought...

“As human beings on this earth we are responsible for creating not destroying people, animals, plants, the water and the air. To live in peace it is important that we start to create. If we believe God exists, it’s not enough just to go to church to pray. We must Action also listen to the messages that we hear in church, in the Bible, and put them into practice.” Organise an interfaith service or celebration of creation. Virgilio Ramirez, Director of Radio Balam Estero, Guatemala

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Image on reverse: Destruction caused by Typhoon Haiyan CAF3022 Registered charity no. 285776

Religious symbols: Soil and water conservation Asia: Water 5 Erosion happens when topsoil particles Afghanistan Life on earth became possible because are carried away by wind, ice or water. its atmosphere contained the elements Afghanistan’s living standards are among the lowest in the world. The World Index Report needed to make water. Without water, How badly the land erodes in a 2012 says that, of all the countries in the world, Afghanistan has the lowest level of we would not exist. The human body is particular place depends on rock and capacity and resources to cope with natural hazards. Summers are hot and there are often made of nearly 70 per cent water. soil types and the amount of plant droughts but severe winters in the Central Highlands of Afghanistan are also common, with cover, as well as the weather. The temperatures sometimes falling to minus 30 degrees and snow cutting off villages for The writers of the Bible recognised the most extreme form of erosion is months at a time. life-giving properties of water and desertification, when fertile land is often used water as a symbol: turned into desert. Less fertile land means less food for hungry people. Restoring hillsides As the population has increased, the hillsides have been overgrazed by cattle. Also, people • “I shall turn the dry ground into a lake, and dry ground into springs of As well as planting trees and other pull up bushes from the hillsides to use the roots as fuel. With no roots to hold the soil, plants to anchor soil with their roots, there are flash floods during snowmelt and rain. These damage homes and crops and wash water.” Isaiah 41.18 communities in Lal wa Sarjangal soil and nutrients away down the slopes. district also: • “Strike the rock, and water will come out for the people to drink.” Our partner, Catholic Relief Services (CRS) works with communities in Lal wa Sarjangal • Dig contour furrows and trenches district to restore the hillsides. First, the communities selected areas to protect from Exodus 17.6 • Build contour walls grazing and, in 2012, wild seeds were sown on degraded hillsides. Two years later, 18,900 • Plant hedgerows as barriers. poplar trees were planted in three villages. These and other measures help to stabilise the • “Then the angel showed me the river of life, rising from the throne soil and will provide animal feed and firewood in the future. Already the hills are becoming All of these measures help to keep green again. of God.” Revelation 22.1 water, as well as soil, on the slopes.

Water is still used symbolically in the Since more water can sit on the land Keyhole gardens religious rituals of most of the great and soak into the ground, already Meanwhile, the people need to be able to grow food. Many families eat nothing more than a religions of the world. more water is flowing from springs at flatbread called ‘naan’ for most of the year. So, with funding from CAFOD, CRS has helped the foot of the hills. families to develop ‘keyhole gardens’ - low-cost, above-ground, walled vegetable plots containing layers of ash, soil, and other local materials to help absorb and retain nutrients. They need little water, can be built in a small space close to homes and can be 1. Find other places in the Bible where 1. How are climate change and erosion protected from frosts in winter. water is used as a symbol of life. connected?

“Before, I couldn't buy vegetables in the bazaar because it was too expensive. Now we will 2. What else does water symbolise in 2. Draw a diagram to show how have vegetables with our naan, and I can sell or trade the extra.” sacramental and non-sacramental terracing counteracts erosion. Fahima, local keyhole gardener rituals? 3. What are the advantages of a 3. How is water used in non-Christian keyhole garden over planting in the Pause for thought... faiths? ground?

“If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together.” Afghan saying

“Nurturing and cherishing creation is a command God gives not only at the beginning of Action history, but to each of us. It is part of his plan; it means causing the world to grow responsibly, transforming it so that it may be a garden, a habitable place for everyone.” Water purification uses energy. Find ways to use less water. Pope Francis, 6 May 2013

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Image on reverse: Keyhole garden, trees and contour terracing in Manju Kohna CAF3022 Registered charity no. 285776

Renew the face of the earth Urbanisation and sustainable Middle East: development 6 Gaza “We are partners in God’s creative Development seeks to help countries enterprise, called to ‘renew the face of or communities to grow in the areas of The Middle East is particularly vulnerable to climate change because it is already so dry and the earth’ until there is peace and industry, technology or economy. For has a long coastal stretch. In the Middle East and North Africa, growing demand for water harmony, sparkling life-giving water, example, CAFOD development projects alongside declining rainfall and rising temperatures is projected to lead to 30-70 per cent the ‘trees of life’ that give health… include training in starting small less water per person by 2025. shared by all the inhabitants of the businesses to provide incomes. earth.” Environmental threats in the Middle East include water shortages caused by: (The Call of Creation, 2002) Sustainable development is • population growth • growing economies “development that meets the needs of • rapid urbanisation • over-exploitation of resources. We are all part of creation; our care for the present without compromising the the earth and our care for each other ability of future generations to meet If many people live in a small area there is intense pressure on the land and on water are always linked. their own needs." sources in that area. In Gaza, for example, there are more than 4822 people per km2, Brundtland Report 1987 compared with 4761 in London where far more water is available. CAFOD works in long-term development. This means helping The United Nations has used the term Tensions rising communities in poorer nations to “de-development” to describe what David Jensen, from the UN Environment Program, says, “Climate change… is expected to overcome injustice and to flourish. has been happening in Gaza in recent change the distribution of critical resources such as water and fertile land—potentially years. leading to new sources of conflict.”2 In the Middle East, where tensions frequently erupt Blessed Pope Paul VI taught that true into violence, water and arable land are increasingly scarce and this leads to further risk of development is more than just Urbanisation—the growth of towns and conflict between communities and countries. Most peace agreements in this region in recent economic development—it is about the cities as more people move there or years have included water. flourishing of the whole person. are born in them—can threaten (On the Development of Peoples, 14) sustainable development. Urban areas

are growing faster in LEDCs than Water filters anywhere else in the world. The poorest are the most likely to lose access to water. In Gaza, even before the shelling in 2014, the poorest families spent 25 per cent of their income each month on buying water from tankers. The water that comes out of the taps is polluted and salty. This is due to 1. What does it mean to ‘renew the 1. What sort of projects might be seawater intrusion from the coast and too many people drawing on water from below the face of earth’? described as unsustainable ground, as well as damaged sewage treatment facilities. One of our partners in Gaza, development? Islamic Relief, provides water storage tanks and filters that attach to taps. These purify the 2. List the things that help people to water and make it drinkable. flourish as whole persons. 2. Find out some of the reasons for urbanisation in LEDCs. 3. How can renewing the face of the Mrs Shirin told us: “Now that I have the water filter, I save money and add this amount to earth help people to flourish? 3. Name some advantages and the food items.. more healthy and diverse food becomes available.” disadvantages of urbanisation. 4. How does Islamic Relief’s work in 1IPCC, AR5, 2013 2From conflict to peacebuilding, 2009, p56 Gaza help people to flourish?

Pause for thought...

“Pope Paul VI's phrase, ‘Development is the new name for peace’, specifies one of the Action keys in our search for peace. Can true peace exist when men, women and children cannot live in full human dignity?” Do a sustainable development audit of your school. Saint John Paul II, World Day of Peace, 1987

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Image on reverse: Inspecting a water filter attached to a kitchen tap in Gaza CAF3022 Registered charity no. 285776

Patron saint of the How do trees affect our Africa: environment climate? 7 Kenya 1 Francesco (Francis) Bernardone was As Philip Nzula knows, tree planting is born in Assisi, in 1182. After a an effective way of slowing down soil The drought in the Horn of Africa in 2011-12 was the worst in 50 years. With climate carefree youth he gave up all his erosion (see also Card 5) but change, water shortages in East Africa are likely to worsen.1 possessions, following the Gospel extensive tree planting can also help to invitation to “sell what you own and improve local climates. Musosya Dam give the money to the poor… then Ten years ago the diocese of Kitui in south eastern Kenya was a green and fertile area. A come, follow me" (Mark 10:21-22). He Evaporation and transpiration from great dam provided fresh water to more than 600 families. Now the soil is bare and the lived with his community in the woods leaves cools the surrounding air and dam has dried up. Water is hard to find. near Assisi in poverty and great joy. makes it more moist, which encourages rainfall (see Card 10). When the dam was full, local villager Stella Musyoka could fetch water in half an hour. Now Francis cherished all creation as a gift she has a three-hour round trip to the Athi River. from God and taught his followers to As well as this, trees improve air appreciate its beauty. quality by absorbing carbon dioxide (CO ) during photosynthesis and Her husband, Benjamin, says: “The seasons have really changed and the rains are no 2 longer predictable… Before the rains became erratic and droughts persisted, I would He wrote a famous poem called breathing out oxygen. harvest 30 bags of maize; today, I only harvest at most five to six bags of maize.” The Canticle of Brother Sun: “Praised be you, my Lord, The absorbed CO is converted into 2 with all your creatures, carbon stored in the wood. As long as Soil erosion especially Sir Brother Sun, the trees are not burned, this means But lack of rainfall is not the only reason the dam is dry. Philip Nzula explains, “Trees have He is beautiful and radiant less of the greenhouse gas, CO2, in the been cut, communities have been farming on the slopes and when it rains, water has no with great splendour; atmosphere to contribute towards time to sink into the soil. 80 per cent of the top soil is washed away and deposited into the and bears a likeness of you, climate change. dam.” Most High One…”

The bold two-year plan St. Francis of Assisi is patron saint of Philip is Project Coordinator for an exciting community plan. With CAFOD support, in the the environment and namesake of next two years the people of Kitui plan to dig terraces, plant ten thousand trees and restore Pope Francis. the dam. When the project is completed, better access to water will mean that they can 1. List the many benefits of trees. grow enough food for their families. 2. Draw a diagram to show how trees 1. Is it essential to care for trees and 1 combat the greenhouse effect. World Water Development Report 2012 (p648) plants? Why/why not? 3. Some people say that if we ‘offset’ 2. Who would you name as patrons of our carbon emissions by planting trees, Pause for thought... the environment in modern times? we can continue to live as we are. 3. Write your own hymn of praise for What are the weaknesses in this “Until you dig a hole, you plant a tree, you water it and make it survive, you haven't different aspects of creation, starting argument? done a thing. You are just talking.” with Brother Sun. Wangari Muta Maathai, Kenyan environmental activist and Nobel prize winner, (1940 - 2011)

“We must be poor with the poor and recapture a tender and kind relationship with Action Mother Earth. Then we will know how to act.” Sr. Dorothy Stang (murdered in 2005 while defending indigenous people’s rights in the Plant a tree. Amazon)

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Image on reverse: Stella fetching water from Athi River (left) CAF3022 Registered charity no. 285776 Digging foundations for a concrete barrier as part of the dam (right)

Preferential option for the Renewable energy Africa: poor 8 Burning non-renewable energy sources Kenya 2 Those who will suffer the most from like oil, coal and gas is polluting, the effects of climate change are the produces greenhouse gases and is the Energy poverty poorest in developing countries. main cause of climate change.

Worldwide, around one in five people has no access to electricity. The International Therefore the Church teaches care of creation, not only for the sake of the Using locally-sourced biomass can be Energy Agency estimates that, between now and 2030, sub-Saharan Africa will sustainable so long as it does not 1 earth, but for the sake of the poorest overtake Asia as the region with the largest deficit. In Kenya, only 30 per cent of result in more emissions or damage to 2 and most vulnerable people. people have access to electricity. the local environment. Burning “Those who are oppressed by poverty traditional biomass, including wood, Solar power are the object of a preferential love on charcoal and dung, pollutes the air and The Diocese of Kitui, supported by CAFOD, started the Community Based Green Energy the part of the Church.” (Catechism, damages people's health. Project across three counties of Kenya. In Isiolo, solar power is now being used to light the 2248) local school and health clinic and to irrigate greenhouses. Renewable energy sources include This is known as the “preferential solar, wind, hydroelectric, wave, tidal, Project Officer from Caritas Isiolo, Nicholas Kimutai, says: “It would be great if everyone in option for the poor”. It means that we and geothermal. Isiolo had solar power – there’d be fewer emissions, the environment would be conserved, should “prefer” or “opt” to put the there would be no monthly bills and no blackouts. This area is perfect, it has at least 6-7 needs of the poorest people before the Many see advantages of sustainable hours of sun a day. There are some barriers to solar, like the high start up cost, but there’s wants of others. energy use beyond the energy itself, no recurrent cost. The government is supportive and has waived taxes on solar equipment.” for example, job creation. Renewable Saint John Paul II said that the option energy sources provide only 10 per Changing school life for the poor affects Christians as they cent of total energy supply today but “Most schools used to use kerosene lamps or generators. Each day they were buying petrol. seek to imitate Christ, but it “applies in 2013 around 6.5 million people were Now they can use a renewable resource that is readily available.” equally to our social responsibilities already employed in the renewable Sixteen-year-old Veronica says: “Now that we have the solar panels at school, there’ll be and hence to our manner of living...” energy industry worldwide.1 evening classes and I’ll be able to do the extra school work I need to. It’s important to have (On Social Concern, 42) 1Wykes, Garside and Leopold, Energy in the this time, as I have big exams coming up in October.” post-2015 development framework, 2014, p5

1. What did Saint John Paul II mean? Beyond the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) The MDGs were set by world leaders in 2000 to tackle extreme poverty. New Sustainable 2. Who are the poorest and most 1. List the advantages and Development Goals (SDGs) beyond 2015 should include an energy goal, and all should vulnerable in today’s world? disadvantages of using each renewable 3 energy source. include action on climate change. The energy goal must ensure that everyone has 3. What do you think Catholics should 4 sustainable, affordable, safe, reliable energy to meet their needs. The SDGs should also do about climate change in response to 2. Why do you think some people may specify that at least 45 per cent of all primary energy use and infrastructure comes from the ‘option for the poor’? prefer fossil fuels to renewables? renewable energy.5 3. Find out about the eight MDGs. Why 1Best, S., Shaping a global goal on energy access that leaves no one behind, 2013. 2Sustainable energy for all is it important, beyond 2015, to have gap analysis report for Kenya, 2013. 3CAFOD, The Right Climate for Development 4Wykes, Garside and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)? Leopold, Energy in the post-2015 development framework, 2014, p5. 5World Wide Fund for Nature, Targeting a sustainable future, 2014.

Pause for thought... Action “Shifting to low or zero carbon energy is crucial to ending energy poverty, ensuring long-term energy security and avoiding dangerous climate change globally.” Is your school an eco-school? Research ways to be Wykes, Garside and Leopold, Energy in the post-2015 development framework, 2014, p4. even more eco-friendly and sustainable.

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Image on reverse: Looking after the new solar panels (left); Veronica in school (right). CAF3022 Registered charity no. 285776

Why is water a human right? Why do glaciers melt? Latin America: 9 In November 2002 the UN declared, The IPCC says that glaciers are melting Peru “The human right to water is almost worldwide, due to climate indispensable for leading a healthy life change. Peru is one of the countries most vulnerable to climate change worldwide. As a result, in human dignity.” Yet around 770 water shortages are likely to increase in the future. Mining and dam building have created million of earth’s seven billion people A glacier is a slow moving, year-round widespread damage to the environment and threaten the livelihoods of many farming have no access to clean, safe drinking mass of ice made of compacted snow. communities. Over a third of the population live in poverty and have little influence in water. Glaciers’ white surfaces reflect the Peru’s political system. sun’s rays. When they melt, darker In 2000, world leaders committed exposed surfaces absorb and release within Millennium Development Goal 7 heat, raising temperatures. Melting Melting glaciers to halve, by 2015, the proportion of glaciers contribute to rising sea levels. The Cruz de Mayo community, just below the Parón lagoon, is surrounded by seven people without sustainable access to glaciers, reaching up to 6,600 metres. It is estimated that all the glaciers under 5,000 safe drinking water. When glaciers at the top of mountains metres will have melted completely by 2030. Local resident, Julio Granados says: “We live are melting, this affects water from the ice, because our water comes from the ice. How will we live when there is no ice?” There was a lack of action, especially resources downstream. In Peru, the by the richest countries, to help country’s glaciers have receded by Disputes over water countries meet this target. It was not nearly 40 per cent in the past four Some years ago, Peru’s government sold the Parón lagoon to Duke Energy, a met. However, climate change decades—which has resulted in less hydroelectricity company. Sometimes the company would release large quantities of water threatens to make it even more water for the Andean farmers’ crops from the lagoon gates, flooding and destroying crops. At other times, it would close the difficult to provide clean water for all. and animals and rivers drying up in gates for long periods, and the crops died from drought. Water levels in the lagoon fell. In It is estimated that by 2025, 3.4 billion coastal regions.1 2008, thousands of people marched to the lagoon to protest. people will live in “water scarce” countries.1 Other communities around the world Today 1un.org/waterforlifedecade/pdf/waterforlifebklt- that use the melt water from glaciers Now the Cruz de Mayo community manages the lagoon, with support from local e.pdf, pg9 may also see their supply decrease government and consent from Duke Energy, and the lagoon is gradually refilling. due to climate change. This is Flor Vilma Dueñas Olivo, farmer and community activist says: “I feel happy when I see the especially the case in Asia. lagoon refilling. For me it represents life, the life that God has created.” 1. To some, water is a gift from God 1 The lagoon gates and underwater channel are still owned by the company and the Peruvian National Water Board (Autoridad and should not be priced. The World Nacional de Agua – ANA), 2014 community fears its return, so Julio Granados acts as community guard, keeping watch and Bank argues that charging for water holding the key which secures the gates of the underwater channel. will fund new pipes and facilities and 1. Find out and explain how glaciers

so will increase access to water. are formed. Our partner, CEAS, is helping the community to work together and learn about their rights, Debate. the laws and environmental protection. Now the community has conducted a survey of 2. Do you think it is more important rivers and streams and is monitoring water quality every two months. The data collected 2. You are a lawyer defending that glacial melt be used to grow crops will strengthen their case if there is future pollution due to mining. someone arrested for fighting for or to generate hydroelectricity? Why? access to water. What will you say in 3. Why might melting glaciers affect his or her defence? Asia most of all? Pause for thought...

“World peace is threatened not only by the arms race, regional conflicts and continued injustices among peoples and nations, but by a lack of due respect for nature by the Action plundering of natural resources and by a progressive decline in the quality of life...” Play our simulation game, “Life without taps”. Saint John Paul II, 1 January 1990

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Image on reverse: Julio Granados, the lagoon guard CAF3022 Registered charity no. 285776

Learning from each other The Amazonian water cycle Latin America: 10 To be made in God’s image implies a The Amazon River is the largest source Brazil responsibility to care for climate and of freshwater runoff in the world. This the land (See Genesis 2:15). represents 15-20 per cent of global In Brazil, in 2005 the Amazon Basin had its worst drought in more than a century. Six river flow. Changes to the Amazonian years later floods and landslides caused by torrential rains killed more than 500 people and water cycle can therefore alter global left more than 13,000 homeless, and in 2013 the North-East of Brazil experienced one of its climate. worst droughts for 50 years. All of these crises have been linked to record sea temperatures and the destruction of the rainforest.

Since the 1970s, roads and dams have been built in the Amazon in an effort to develop the economy. This opened the rainforest to logging companies and soya plantations. However,

78 per cent of logging in the Brazilian state of Pará, the largest timber producer in Brazil, is illegal. Between 2012 and 2013, deforestation increased 29 per cent. At least 42 billion Where indigenous peoples live close to the land - whether in the rainforest, trees in the Amazon have already been destroyed—that’s around 2,000 trees per minute for 1 the Arctic or Australia - they notice the last 40 years. quickly if it begins to deteriorate.

Indigenous communities Traditional ways to manage the land Where indigenous (native) communities sustainably manage the forest in traditional ways, include: deforestation is less widespread and biodiversity is preserved. In fact, areas where indigenous lands have been officially recognised by Brazil’s government and conservation • only taking what we need, rather areas are where the majority of the Amazon rainforest is still standing. than what we want • selective felling of trees rather than Indigenous communities were granted the rights to their traditional lands under the 1988 mass-clearing large areas Brazilian Constitution, but the government has still not legally registered one third of • using natural fertilisers, not 1. Should the Amazon rainforest be indigenous land, which faces increasing pressure for land and natural resource exploitation. chemicals. protected? Why / not? Where land has been returned to indigenous communities, many experience violence and intimidation from outsiders wishing to make money out of the land. Davi Kopenawa 2. Should the Yanomami carry on defending their lifestyle, or give way to Yanomami - president of CAFOD partner, Hutukara Yanomami Association - has received death threats. threats by those who want their land? 1. Do you think indigenous people can Give reasons. Hutukara raises awareness of the threats to communities, including land invasions, poor teach us anything about climate change? If so, what ? 3. Would you describe the building of healthcare and climate change. In 2014, communities living in Yanomami Indigenous Land roads in the Amazon as sustainable were invaded by about 4,000 illegal gold miners, polluting water with mercury, killing fish, 2. What happens to indigenous development? Why / not? (See also destroying the forest and spreading disease. Hutukara believes that protecting indigenous communities and the planet when Card 6). land and promoting sustainable development will preserve both the rainforest and its forests are destroyed? people and help slow down climate change. 4. How can some development make 3. Debate: modernisation vs people more vulnerable to the effects biodiversity = variety in the natural world (plants and animals) preservation of traditional lifestyles. of climate change?

1The climate future of Amazonia, Antonio Donato Nobre, 2014

Pause for thought... Action “Non-indigenous people have been destroying nature for money because they do not value or respect the environment... I want to say to non-indigenous peoples that you Fair trade helps people develop their local industry sustainably. Is your need to listen and learn from us.” Davi Kopenawa Yanomami school a Fairtrade school?

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Image on reverse: Illegal logging in the Amazon CAF3022 Registered charity no. 285776

Environmental justice What must we do? National and 11 Since the Industrial Revolution, more There are two necessary responses international action economically developed countries have to the challenge of climate change: produced increasing amounts of CO2, • mitigation—reduce our Nationally due to our use of fossil fuels. This greenhouse gas emissions to limit means we owe an ecological debt to The UK’s 2008 Climate Change Act aimed to move the UK towards a low-carbon economy, global temperature rise those in countries which did not cause to encourage other countries to do the same and to build international agreement on • adaptation—take action to the current levels of global warming. reducing global carbon emissions. It set a legally binding target of at least an 80 per cent minimise the negative and use Cutting our carbon emissions is not cut in UK greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050, compared to 1990 levels. the positive impacts of a changing simply a matter of survival or even of climate. charity; it is a matter of justice. EU As a member of the European Union, the UK also contributes to the climate and energy Catholic Social Teaching (CST) says: Mitigation can include: targets agreed upon by its member states. Currently the EU has a collective target of “God destined the earth… for all • Using less fossil fuel reducing its GHG emissions by 20 per cent by 2020 and at least 40 per cent by 2030, peoples so that all created things • Developing more energy-efficient compared to 1990 levels. The overall goal is 80-95 per cent below 1990 levels by 2050. At would be shared fairly by all...” technologies the moment, collectively the EU is on course to meet its 2020 targets ahead of time. (The Church in the Modern World, 69) • Using cleaner sources of energy.

Internationally “In our use of the environment we Adaptation can include: The global community is seeking to find agreement on a legally binding global treaty on have a responsibility towards the poor, • Moving from vulnerable areas climate change. This would replace the previous agreement – the Kyoto Protocol – which is towards future generations and • Flood defences no longer rigorous enough since emissions have risen and we now know more about the towards humanity...” (Charity in Truth, • Water conservation impacts of climate change. It is hoped that a new agreement can be finalised at a UN 48) • New ways of earning a living meeting in Paris in December 2015. • New methods of agriculture “Solidarity demands a readiness to • Early warning systems. CAFOD wants a global deal that puts the world’s poorest people at its heart by: accept the sacrifices necessary for the • Helping poor communities - who are often hit hardest by climate change - to adapt to good of the whole world community.” the impact of a changing climate and benefit from sustainable development. The poorest (On Social Concern, 48) have done least to cause climate change; they should not be the ones to pay the price. 1. Suggest other ways to ‘mitigate’ • Providing necessary support for LEDCs - This includes climate finance (additional to and ‘adapt’. overseas aid) for adaptation, and building low carbon development. MEDCs have 1. Why do MEDCs have a responsibility 2. Of the countries you have studied, committed to provide US$100billion each year by 2020 but, in the past, have often to help LEDCs adapt to the effects of which most need to mitigate / adapt, failed to deliver on their commitments. climate change? • Tackling the root causes of the problem by cutting GHG emissions and ensuring that the and how? 2. Find definitions for the CST EU reduces its emissions by at least 55 per cent by 2030, as compared to 1990 levels. 3. You are representing the UK at the principles of ‘solidarity’ and Paris meeting. How will you encourage ‘stewardship of creation.’ growing economies such as China to Pause for thought... 3. How is ‘solidarity’ linked to consider climate change in their ‘stewardship of creation’? development? “[Global] warming and associated extreme weather will reach unprecedented levels in our children’s life times. 40 per cent of the world’s poor, who have a minimal role in

generating global pollution, are likely to suffer the most.” Action

Joint Pontifical Academy Statement on Sustainable Humanity, Sustainable Nature: Our Responsibility, 2014 Take campaign action on climate change: cafod.org.uk/secondary/climate-environment

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Image on reverse: View from the top of a wind turbine CAF3022 Registered charity no. 285776

Solidarity and the common Can one person make a good difference? 12 Challenging attitudes Catholic Social Teaching says that, in our actions, we should consider “the

Climate change is now a top story in the media; but what are people’s attitudes towards common good” - the good of each climate change? person as part of the community.

One survey found that: “The public see themselves as having little power to effect change… We belong to a global community; our

They think it is the job of government and big business.”1 A survey of 11-17 year-olds choices affect other people and the published in The Guardian the same year found that only 12 per cent believed they were earth that nourishes us all: “Solidarity able to make a positive impact by changing their own lifestyles. requires action to protect the

common good at a global level… care If they would all

However, public attitudes may be changing for the environment is part of care for take the bus I’d 1 2 the common good.” be home by now! In 2013 a poll of 992 people in the UK found that: • 75 per cent believe that the world’s climate is changing Living simply, taking only what we • 63 per cent say they would be prepared to change their behaviour to help limit climate change. need from the earth instead of demanding more and more, is a

Young people surveyed in 2014 agreed that climate change is a key issue for young people. lifestyle that considers the common good. If we live in this way, as well as When asked about engaging with climate change, one of those surveyed said: “I think it comes down to individuals. Everyone needs to do it. If the politicians are on board, then caring for our planet we can live in solidarity with the poorest they’re just a tiny minority. Everyone in the country has to back them, because otherwise it’s not going to make a change.”3 communities, so that everyone can reach their full potential.

What can I do? 1The Common Good, Bishops of and To achieve the necessary 80 per cent drop in carbon emissions we must: , 1996, para 102-106. • each reduce our own carbon emissions • tell governments and businesses to take national and international action, especially to support a fair and binding global agreement to cut emissions. 1. How can living more simply benefit 1. Do a survey of attitudes to climate Little changes can make big differences. Some interesting facts: the common good? change in your school. • cycling rather than driving three miles saves 2kg of carbon 2. Give examples of choices you make 2. What needs to change in people’s • every cup of liquid boiled means 25 more cups of carbon which impact on people in other attitudes, and why? • plastic carrier bags take up to 500 years to decay in landfill countries. • the energy used to make an aluminium can would run a television set for three hours4 3. How might this happen? 3. What could you do to live more 4. How might you influence other 1P. Downing and J. Ballantyne, 2007, Tipping point or turning point? Ipsos Mori Report, p33. 2British Science sustainably, in solidarity with the 3 4 people’s attitudes? Association survey by Populus, 2013. COIN, 2014, p25. The Sustainability Handbook, Practical Action. poorest people?

Pause for thought...

“We can excuse our consumption with the much deployed ‘this little bit won’t matter’ - Action this bit of packaging… these short car trips, can’t matter. In fact what we do does matter—a lot. It matters most of all to people in the global South.” Make a commitment to live more sustainably, and keep to it! E.P Echlin (2007) Live Simply: let others live, Progressio, p4

Find more resources and useful links on this topic at: cafod.org.uk/secondary/climate-environment

Image on reverse: Raising awareness and campaigning for change CAF3022 Registered charity no. 285776