published by organisations Catholic social the need to change to cidse working towards a teaching and climate a fairer, more peaceful rue stevin 16 paradigm shift justice world b-1000 Page 2 Page 4 Page 8 the poland experience

special issue 2014 Tatra Mountains, Poland - © iStock Tatra

We are the first generations able to a drought-ridden area of sub-Saharan monies from Africa, Asia and Latin sustainable societies harming neither raise the level of the oceans, melt the Africa are not to be underestimated. America and voices from the Catholic the environment nor the people. polar ice, extinguish species and turn The issue at hand is a cause for great speaking out on climate change the currents in the ocean back on them- alarm in need of urgent attention: the and its impacts on the most vulnerable In this paper, CIDSE has gathered selves. Such power comes with great poorest, most vulnerable people are the communities. different views from stakeholders in responsibility. Those who are affected ones who are currently paying the price Poland and beyond, with the aim of by climate change are not the ones for our decisions. CIDSE organised a series of events, building on the dialogue initiated causing it. Moreover, due to climate engaging with Polish civil society and around the COP19 talks. Our long-term change, communities which are oceans In November 2013, the 19th Confer- the Church in a bid to a dialogue inside commitment to advocate for greater apart are unwittingly brought closer ence of the Parties (COP19) of the Poland on environmental protection. climate justice will continue, with the together for all the wrong reasons: be United Nations Framework Conven- There people raised questions on overall goal of reaffirming our responsi- it a family in North America buying tion on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Polish energy and climate policies and bility to act against climate change, and a big, fuel-thirsty car, or a reluctance was held in Warsaw, Poland. Among on how faith-based communities can highlighting concrete alternatives for in Europe to insulate our homes, the the many organisations participating, contribute to climate justice. Therefore lifestyle change. devastating impacts of burning too CIDSE – an alliance of Catholic devel- we want to continue raising awareness much coal and oil on an island in the opment organisations fighting poverty for the need to change our economies Bernd Nilles, Pacific sinking beneath the sea, or on and inequality – brought together testi- and our consumption towards more CIDSE Secretary General

www.cidse.org - facebook.com/cidse - twitter.com/cidse - [email protected] 2 - the poland experience cidse - an alliance of catholic development agencies - 3

“The effects of climate change are being felt now all over the world, and are affecting vulnerable articles people the most.”

The Poland Experience Faith Actors Working on - Chris Bain, Former CIDSE President Climate Justice - p.1 (January 2011 - January 2014) Catholic Organisations Working Towards A Paradigm Shift - p.2

Catholic Social Teaching and Climate Justice - p.4 © CIDSE Cardinal Nycz’s Appeal Pray for Human Responsibility (Homily) - p.5 Catholic organisations Niger working towards a Climate & Food Security - p.7

The Need to Change to a paradigm shift Fairer, More Peaceful World - p.8 By Bernd Nilles (CIDSE), Fr Marian Subocz (Caritas Poland) and Rev Prof Stanisław Dziekonski (Cardinal Stefan Wyszynski University) Papal Pronouncements on Care for Creation - p.8 For almost 50 years, the Catholic fossil fuels and the belief in endless The historical responsibility of devel- Church and lay organisations growth. oped nations for climate change and including Caritas and CIDSE, along the urgent need for vulnerable coun- © Picjumbo / Mazur interviews with many others worldwide, have In the words of the Holy Father (Evan- tries to cope with its effects resonate been working to end poverty and to gelii Gaudium, 188): “‘The Church (...) with the words of Francis in Chris Bain build a more equitable world. Despite hears the cry for justice and intends the Evangelii Gaudium, 2 & 53: “(...) great achievements, new challenges to respond to it with all her might.’ In Whenever our interior life becomes Why We Need Climate Justice Why We Need Climate Justice - p.3 constantly arise, calling on us as this context we can understand Jesus’ caught up in its own interests and Catholics, and on all people of good command to his disciples: ‘You your- concerns, there is no longer room Interview with Chris Bain will, to keep up our efforts. Today, selves give them something to eat!’ for others, no place for the poor ... Dominika Dzwonkowska economic growth often goes hand- (Mk 6:37): it means working to elim- Today we also have to say ‘thou shalt A Catholic Perspective on in-hand with increased inequality: inate the structural causes of poverty not’ to an economy of exclusion and Environmental Virtues - p.4 exclusion remains a reality for many and to promote the integral develop- inequality. Such an economy kills.” Our chris bain has been the director of The effects of climate change are being How would you answer someone forming it into a garden, a habitable people and food insecurity persists, ment of the poor (...). The word ‘soli- call for climate justice springs from the (catholic agency for overseas felt now all over the world, and are saying “we should care for the poor in place for everyone.” whilst misguided policies increasingly darity’ (…) refers to something more need to reconsider economic models development) since 2003, and president affecting vulnerable people the most. our own country first”? Fr Frederick D’Souza create social, financial, economic and than a few sporadic acts of gener- based on satisfying endless demand; of cidse from january 2011 – january What is at stake? Caritas India’s Call for environmental crises. In this context osity. It presumes the creation of a creating ever greater inequalities 2014. cafod works in partnership with How have you seen the effects of I would remind them that our faith our task grows daily and the need for new mindset which thinks in terms of and life-threatening environmental local churches and secular organi- climate change in your work? calls us to live in mutual, harmonious For the International scientific commu- Justice and Solidarity - p.5 a paradigm shift becomes ever more community and the priority of the life damage. In a world where few have sations in 40 countries in the south, relationship with the planet, which is nity represented by the Intergovern- compelling. of all over the appropriation of goods a great amount, we must rethink the and plays an active role in caritas We see how the vulnerable communi- our common home. We must all show mental Panel on Climate Change, Janina Ochojska Okonska by a few.” dominant economic models, so that internationalis. before taking up his ties we work with suffer daily from the solidarity with those around the world climate change is unmistakable and Humanitarian Aid and For this we need to address the root everyone can live a dignified life on current post at cafod, chris’ profes- various impacts of climate change. In whose lives are already being threat- unequivocal: it can be said with 95 causes of injustice. This is particularly Bishop Gomes from Bangladesh, a earth and preserve natural resources sional experience included roles as 2012, 18 million people faced hunger ened by climate change. percent confidence that it is due to International Solidarity true for climate change. Our behav- country severely affected by climate for generations to come. head of programmes for asia, pacific, because of drought in the Sahel in human activity, such as burning of in Poland - p.6 iour in developed countries causes a change, visited Poland last November eastern europe and the caribbean for Africa. It’s simply intolerable. Is climate change also a threat to fossil fuels. Unless we change our way serious threat to humanity, and this and spoke at the conference organised In this work to build a fairer world, our voluntary service overseas, and head European countries? of living, the world’s average tempera- Dr Andrzej Kassenberg threat is one that hits the poorest – by Caritas, CIDSE and Cardinal Stefan organisations worked closely together of campaigns at oxfam. What is your greatest hope for the work ture is likely to increase by 4°C by the Towards a Polish Energy those who have contributed the least Wyszynski University. He explained at the UN Climate Conference in on climate change? And what is your While it is too early to say definitely end of the century, which will have to the problem – the hardest. We as how climate change is already leading Warsaw in 2013. This series of articles CIDSE and CAFOD (Caritas greatest fear? that the storms that flooded the UK a dramatic impact on mankind world- - p.7 Transition Catholic organisations are deeply to sea flooding, which in turn is highlights various views on climate and ) are aid agencies, not envi- in February were caused by climate wide. involved in the climate challenge and causing salinisation of the land, thus justice, not only from a Catholic and ronmental organisations. Why the The price of food is likely to increase change, we know that extreme weather This series of articles was originally its causes, such as the appropriation making it unsuitable for agriculture faith-based perspective, but also from campaign to stop climate change? by 70 to 90 percent by 2030, and that is events will become more common. Climate change is already affecting published in Tygodnik Powszechny, by a select few of the common inher- and thereby creating major food secu- a variety of players. without taking into account the effects Drought, floods and storms are likely vulnerable communities around the a Polish Catholic weekly magazine in itance of all; or overconsumption of rity problems. We believe that Creation is God’s gift of climate change, such as drought, to intensify and change the lives of globe today. They have to cope with April 2014. for all people and we have a responsi- floods, desertification and land degra- people everywhere, including Europe its devastating effects, such as more bility to care for it. Many of the commu- dation. The consequences on poor and with it Poland. frequent extreme weather events, nities we work with in Africa, Asia people’s lives will be terrible. Fortu- shrinking food resources and water CIDSE is an international alliance and campaigning, and by acting in alli- climate justice, development finance and Latin America are suffering from nately, an ambitious, fair and legally What, in your mind, is the single most shortages – impacts that are putting about of Catholic development agencies ance with other people and organisa- and business & human rights. It works more frequent and extreme floods and binding international deal on climate important thing people can do to their lives at risk. Europe is also working together for global justice. tions of good will. for a paradigm shift towards sustain- storms or more extreme and frequent change can be sealed in 2015, if all combat climate change? exposed to the consequences of a able ways of living and producing droughts. Many farming families have governments engage actively. All coun- changing climate, as demonstrated Its 17 member organisations from Its member organisations work on to overcome the structural causes of told us that they are struggling with tries have a responsibility to protect the I think that a good place to start is with by the recent examples of forest fires Europe and North America have a wide range of priorities with local poverty, inequality and injustice in the changes in the weather patterns – in climate, but developed countries bear the question posed by : in Greece, droughts in Slovenia and What is joined to fight poverty and inequality. partner organisations in Africa, Asia world. some countries the rains are coming at the greatest responsibility and must are we “truly cultivating and caring for flash floods in Poland and the Czech CIDSE challenges governments, busi- and Latin America. the wrong times to germinate crops, or show leadership. Most of these devel- creation?” Or are we “exploiting and Republic. ness and international bodies to As a lay-led Catholic network, CIDSE crops aren’t receiving enough rain to oped countries, including the EU, are neglecting it?” His answer to these ques- CIDSE? adopt policies and behaviours that CIDSE tries to make the voices of our believes in a world based on peaceful, flourish. Our vision is a world where failing to address the current climate tions was that “cultivating and caring promote human rights, social justice partners in the South heard at key fair foundations where the lives and everyone can enjoy a healthy environ- challenge adequately, and do not show for creation is God’s indication given and sustainable development. It tries events at international level. CIDSE’s choices of rich and poor alike are ment and benefit from their fair share enough political will to change the to each one of us... it means nurturing to achieve this through joint advocacy priority issues are food security, transformed through solidarity. of the Earth’s wealth and resources. game. the world with responsibility and trans- 4 - the poland experience cidse - an alliance of catholic development agencies - 5

Homily A Catholic perspective on Cardinal Nycz’s appeal “A concerted effort as a Pray for human environmental virtues responsibility movement by the Church is Interview with Dominika Dzwonkowska (UKSW) yet to emerge, but the Church Why is climate change not just a moral it was recognised that environmental What could the in but also an environmental issue? protection was not just a matter of its Poland do to make people more aware preservation, but also referred to the of the concept of environmental has a huge unmatchable It is commonly thought that we should inner being and its morality. virtues? look for the reasons behind environ- mental deterioration mainly in external Which environmental virtues are It would be excellent if the Catholic network and potential to causes, such as in the scientific and involved when we talk about climate Church in Poland were to preach the technological model, in which environ- protection? idea that protection of the environment mental degradation is justified in the is a moral issue. It could also make use make a change.” name of progress. In addition, people do There are many aspects of environ- of the support of the Polish eco-theo- not link the ecological crisis with ques- mental virtues and deficiencies we logians’ scientific community, and of tions of morality. Thomas Hill wrote a need to consider when talking about Catholic organisations aware of envi- most interesting article on this topic in climate protection. In my opinion, it ronmental issues. - Fr Frederick D’Souza 1983 reflecting on the type of people is worth viewing virtues in contrast prone to destroy the environment. This to their main environmental opposites. It is also worth mentioning that theo- article demonstrated how important The following are of crucial impor- logical vocabulary has crept into the human morality is when it comes to tance: care versus contemporary man’s environmental language of the Ministry © CIDSE considering environmental issues and selfishness, moderation to reduce greed of the Environment’s social campaigns. dominika dzwonkowska holds an that reflection on environmental issues and excessive consumption, respect as The Ministry encourages people to m.a., and a phd in philosophy also relates to human morality. a counterweight to arrogance, wisdom rethink the issue of waste; considering gained in and respec ( 2005 2011 - as opposed to ignorance and responsi- burning waste as a sin. The Church has © Piotr Drabik tively), as well as an m.sc. in envi- How would you explain the concept of bility to help overcome indifference. the potential to use its power and expe- ronmental protection from cardinal ‘environmental virtue’? rience to support efforts to overcome With the COP19 Climate Conference in Warsaw stefan wyszynski university in Which of the virtues would you high- the ecological crisis. in 2013, climate was high on the political and warsaw (uksw). she works as an ‘Virtue’ is one of the key concepts in light as key when it comes to discussing public agenda in Poland. The topic was picked assistant professor at the institute ethics. It can be defined as a personal climate impact in developing countries? Do you think the climate crisis could be up by media, politicians, NGOs and Church of ecology and bioethics, where she and intrinsic human characteristic that an opportunity for change towards an leaders. During the Mass with ecumenical lectures and carries out research on makes a person do things that are In addition to the above, so-called ethical model of development? prayer (held on 17th November in St. John’s environmental philosophy, sustaina- morally right. Values are human traits intergenerational justice is certainly Archcathedral), of Warsaw, bility and environmental ethics which enable compliance with moral crucial, especially when we consider The word ‘crisis’ in Greek means a Cardinal Kazimierz Nycz, called on all believers and sustainability (since 2013 she principles. In Greek, the concept of that 80 percent of the Earth’s resources ‘breakthrough’: the decisive turning to “surround the climate change conference has been the polish international ‘areté’ comes from the comparative and are being consumed by 20 percent of point. Every crisis, including the climate with our prayers,” and went on to explain: representative at the international superlative form of the adjective ‘good’ the population, and that the ratio of crisis, is an opportunity to transform “The climate change conference is discussing society for environmental ethics). and the verb ‘aristeuein’ which means consumption in the U.S. is 32 times civilisation into a new and perhaps the world, everything that God has created, dr dzwonkowska has experience in ‘to be the best’, or ‘to surpass others’. higher than in some developing coun- more ethical model of world develop- everything that he has entrusted to us humans.” working with ngos and business to A virtuous person is one who exceeds tries. This scenario is particularly sad ment. But the question is if and how we He asked believers gathered in the Cathedral promote sustainability and educa- others in complying with moral princi- when we know that those most affected use this opportunity. for their “support and prayers for all politicians, tion on climate change. ples. Regarding the question of environ- by climate change are the underpriv- scientists and people from all over the world mental virtues, this concept started to ileged inhabitants of developing coun- deliberating in Warsaw at the moment.”

appear in environmental ethics when tries. © iStock Masses and prayers regularly take place during climate conferences; they are special moments for decision makers and citizens to reflect on the meaning of their actions and on their conse- Caritas India’s call for quences for vulnerable people worldwide.

Catholic social teaching The Cardinal explained in his homily why justice and solidarity protecting the environment was such an impor- tant issue. He specifically referred to Polish Interview with Fr Frederick D’Souza and climate justice examples: “When we are in the Żywiec Beskids, we see dry trees that have fallen prey to unwise human activity through industry, which not only father dr frederick d’souza has of Assisi. We need to sensitise the Catholic development agencies are grounded in the climate change, called for effective climate measures poisoned the world of plants and animals, but been the executive director of clergy and religious leaders. Those social thinking of the Church. Our commitment to a and proper funding systems for climate mitigation and also the whole human environment, our being caritas india since 2012. having who speak from the pulpit can fairer world is rooted in our belief that all humans – adaptation. Celestino Migliore, Apostolic in this world. That is why it is so urgent to solve previously worked as the secre- lead and unite communities women and men alike – possess the same dignity and Nuncio to Poland and Head of the delegation these problems in a reasonable and wise way,” tary of the justice and peace on climate change, and start small rights, in which fair political and economic models to COP19, reminded the audience that “it has become he suggested. He warned us of the impact of commission of the catholic activities. Our numerous Catholic and active citizen involvement play an important role. clear that human civilisation is able to impact global our actions, and reminded us that “humans still bishops’ conference of india, he schools can contribute much. Reli- This belief is also based on the recognition that digni- environment ... such as, for example, the greenhouse want to expand the limits of their autonomy in is currently the director of the gious communities can spread the fied human life is only possible in a safe and respected effect, which concerns the whole globe.” the world, rightly given to them by the Creator, northern (delhi) regional forum, message. environment, where natural resources are unspoiled yet fail to see if such expansion will serve them and director of chetanalaya – and are not there to satisfy one person’s greed but Speaking about the question of equity between devel- or might perhaps turn against them,” calling for the social action wing of the What is your message to citizens are to be used by the whole human family, which oped and developing countries, he highlighted the wise use of God-given gifts by mankind. archdiocese of delhi. in the North? embraces both current and future generations. It is issue of shared responsibility in climate action and on this basis that we are committed to climate justice, explained how countries gathered in Warsaw were The Cardinal reminded the audience that “we What is the role of Church leaders Pope Francis has begun his as climate change is a rising threat to human dignity, “trying to define in what way and to what extent also know that in tackling these complex issues in fighting climate change? papacy with a modest lifestyle. stopping people from flourishing and serving as a sign any new agreement would define how developing we must uphold fundamental justice among This has inspired millions and of our disregard for God’s creation. countries were to meet their obligations to reduce men, justice for people living in different We at Caritas India have an envi- many are returning to the Church. greenhouse gas emissions and, more importantly, the regions of the world”, putting the climate issue ronmental policy, approved by the By choosing to live simply, he is © CIDSE It is in this spirit that CIDSE, together with Caritas degree to which the industrial countries needed to in the context of justice and global solidarity. Catholic Bishops’ Conference of taking a bold step to reduce carbon Poland and Cardinal Stefan Wyszynski University, demonstrate political will to offer economic support India. Asian Bishops recently met Do you think the whole Church emissions. Maybe he didn’t think organised an international conference entitled ‘Faith to countries that are still developing. “Moreover”, he In conclusion, he appealed to everyone to to discuss the effects of climate can get behind action against of it that way and simply lives his actors working towards climate justice.’ This event was continued, “we need to define a different development pray: “Brothers and Sisters, we need to pray, change and possible ways forward. climate change? personal spirituality; nevertheless, an opportunity for faith-based organisations, Church model; one based on a new energy system, which so that the process of solving these problems this approach has implications on representatives, Southern partners, and international would be less dependent on fossil fuels and which is accompanied by wisdom and a sense of A concerted effort as a movement Documents on the social teaching the environment. and Polish civil society to exchange views on tech- would, instead, be based on greater energy efficiency human responsibility”, he said, stressing to all by the Church is yet to emerge, but of the Church, such as ‘Caritas in nical, societal and political ways to address the moral and the use of alternative energy sources.” the need to avoid the “self-destruction of the the Church has a huge unmatch- Veritate’, have clearly brought out In this light, my message to the responsibility that is climate justice. Among the panel- world.” Cardinal Nycz also attended the climate able network and potential to the stewardship role of the Church people in the North is to give up the lists were Church representatives from developing Given the seriousness of the climate crisis, shared justice conference at Caritas Poland in Warsaw, make a change. We at Caritas, for as a custodian of God’s creation. comforts you can and contribute to countries, notably Bishop Theotonius Gomes from responsibility, prayers and action must rise up from to hear reports and testimony from scientists example, are running many initi- Caring for nature and creation is reducing carbon emissions. Let us Bangladesh and Fr Frederick D’Souza from India, local level to the international arena to trigger the and from Asian, African and Latin American atives on sustainable agriculture very much part of Christian spirit- do it as a part of our faith in action. who, hailing from countries seriously affected by change needed. partners experiencing climate change. and disaster risk reduction. uality dating back to St. Francis © USAID 6 - the poland experience cidse - an alliance of catholic development agencies - 7 Climate and food security in Niger

Africa is deeply affected by climate change, equipment to farmers to reduce their carbon with desertification, droughts and flash floods footprint, and training communities on food exacerbating food insecurity. Like other coun- security and best farming practice. At interna- tries, Niger is severely threatened, with 4.2 tional level, Caritas Niamey is involved in advo- million people being food-insecure according cacy, mainly on climate finance for adaptation to FAO. Within the country, Caritas Niamey is and mitigation measures. Mrs. Dissarama Sabine running several initiatives to address the effects Attama, Director of Caritas Niamey, joined the of climate change and food insecurity, such as CIDSE delegation at the COP19 Climate Confer- distributing drought-resistant seeds, providing ence in Warsaw. © O’Reilly - Reuters Forum

TOWARDS A POLISH ENERGY TRANSITIon Interview with dr andrzej kassenberg Humanitarian Aid in the Philippines - ©Wheelie A’Barrow

“We must realise © Stephan Röhl that in our daily Humanitarian aid How would you describe Poland’s should support those changes. A deci- tive, green economy. It seems that there lives, we influence “We know climate and energy policy? sion to modernise the energy industry is no real interest in the wider public will result not only in increased debate on this subject, and economic and positively or that Poland The Polish energy sector is in a difficult economic development but also in the social lobbies promoting these types negatively the and international could become situation. For more than twenty years, resolution of social and environmental of changes are still weak and isolated. this industry, which is State protected, issues that will benefit our country. We know that Poland could become an situation of people an innovative has not been modernised and is now innovative country with an economy in the poorest solidarity in Poland in need of reform. A significant portion Do Polish CO2 emissions affect the based on highly specialised services country with of our production capacity and indus- populations of poor countries? by 2020–2025, but we lack the impetus countries.” Interview with Janina Ochojska Okonska trial infrastructure is obsolete. In addi- that could lead to these changes. an economy tion, due to EU requirements, ineffi- Many developing countries are badly cient, highly polluting energy industry affected by climate change. Unless we A proper climate policy could build the based on highly components will have to be shut down reduce global CO2 emissions, this trend foundations for a modern, ecologically janina ochojska is the founder and After typhoon Haiyan hit the Phil- itarian aid should be supplied, espe- in the near future. This situation may will continue. If Poland sticks to coal- friendly and highly developed Poland. president of the polish humani- ippines in 2013, we raised over a cially in the field of water and sani- specialised lead to a permanent shortage of elec- based energy, even if more efficient, Currently scepticism and conservatism tarian action (polska akcja human- million zlotys within two weeks, and tation, which are our major concerns. tricity. Polish energy intensity is 2.2 emissions will remain high or will prevail, but we tend to forget that the itarna, also known by its acronym more than 1.6 million by the end of However, this understanding is still services by times higher than that of the EU27 produce even higher GHG emissions. shift to low emissions energy is a long- pah). she has always been an active our campaign. These funds will help incomplete; as such, in addition to average, which gives us great opportu- According to estimates, GHG emis- term strategy. If Poland contributes to community leader, having been to build more than a thousand homes providing aid, one of PAH’s other 2020–2025, but we nities for improvement. There may even sions in 2050 could rise by 25 percent shaping this shift as part of a European involved in the jesuit university and schools. After the earthquake and activities is a campaign to educate be scope for us to save up to 25 to 30 compared to today’s level. Although the Union energy strategy, it could help chaplaincy during her studies and tsunami in Japan in 2011, aid exceeded the public. There is also the matter of lack the impetus percent of our energy. Polish contribution to global CO2 emis- us mitigate the negative effects of this since 1976, and serving as a dissi- our expectations: we raised 1.3 million legislation. A development aid act was that could sions, currently standing at one percent, transformation and would enable us to dent and an activist in a solidarity zlotys and were able to rebuild two passed recently but it did not provide Our main problem is the coal-based might be considered insignificant, and follow the optimal modernisation path movement in torun. janina coordi- nursery schools in Kesennuma. for modern, truly effective aid through lead to these structure of the energy industry. It whilst the country’s contribution to for our country. nated french medical aid and food public funding. generates the highest external costs historical emissions since 1900 pres- supplies for polish hospitals and (Private) Obviously, there is a link between changes.” caused by energy production in the ently stands at only two percent, we are What steps need to be taken? organised convoys of support for What does PAH do to help victims of the level of media coverage and aid, What would be your message to our EU and contributes to the loss of 1.2 still as a nation responsible for those bosnia. the experience she gained climate change? the more individual stories shown readers who are concerned about million business days per year. The damaging climate changes. We need to look at altering existing tax helped her to establish the polish in the media, the higher the support climate change? development of renewable energy has policies to create a basis to promote the humanitarian action foundation. Polish Humanitarian Action has been from donors. This was the case in the been too slow and lacks a clear strategy If we move from our coal-based desired ecologically friendly behaviour providing humanitarian aid to the catastrophes mentioned above. The We must realise that in our daily lives, that takes into account economic needs economy – 92 percent of our electricity of individuals, households, govern- janina ochojska has received many victims of armed conflicts, natural conflict in Syria is a different case. we influence positively or negatively dr andrzej kassenberg is the and the importance of energy policy. is generated from coal – to an economy ments and businesses. Research and prestigious awards, such as the disasters and long-term poverty for It is reported in the media from the the situation of people in the poorest co-founder and president of the We will be condemned to late and, in based on renewable, more efficient educational policies are also vital in title of ‘woman of europe’ in 1994 twenty years. It provides solutions to perspective of politics and warfare. countries. Wasting energy, water and institute for sustainable develop- effect, costly reforms. energy, we will be able to reduce supporting both the design and sale given to her by the european problems such as access to water and Consequently support is significantly food; all of these actions have nega- ment, and co-founder of the pol- our GHG emissions by more than 60 of Polish inventions (including low CO2 community in brussels, as well as food shortages resulting from, amongst less. We can see that Poles would tive consequences, both in terms of ish energy efficiency foundation. Will an ambitious environmental percent by 2050. We definitely have the emissions products and services), and the st george medal awarded by other things, climate change. Events rather help victims of natural disaster contributing to climate change and he was granted a master’s degree policy be beneficial to Poland? opportunity to achieve this. If Poland training people employed in expanding ‘tygodnik powszechny’ (a polish such as typhoons and hurricanes have than victims of war. squandering resources that could be in geography and a doctoral de- can succeed, other countries should be sectors. catholic weekly magazine) and the always occurred, but over the years we used for other purposes. gree in technical sciences. for The need to modernise the obsolete able to do even more. lech wałesa award for promoting have seen a clear increase in natural How has international aid changed in many years he has been engaged energy infrastructure involves high The consistent use of measures to over many years the idea of inter- disasters: their number is currently recent years in Poland? Poles throw away 9 million tons of in scientific activities as a sus- operational costs. However, we can What will be the biggest challenge for support changes in key sectors such as personal solidarity through char- four times higher than forty years ago. food every year. If the money spent on tainable development policy ex- take advantage of this situation and Poland in achieving this goal? energy, housing and construction, trans- ities. in 2011 janina ochojska was There has certainly been increased food which was then thrown out were pert and lectured at many polish create an innovative energy sector. The port, industry, agriculture and waste awarded the commander’s cross of Do Poles generally support the poor in understanding of the concept of used for humanitarian aid, we could and american universities. problem is that the powerful fossil fuel The main challenge consists of management is also crucial. the order of rebirth of polonia developing countries suffering from humanitarian aid; it can clearly be really change our world. Such linkages and energy lobbies are not interested breaking hostile stereotypes and myths restituta. in the same year, she the negative consequences of climate seen even in the amount of money are very simple but we are not aware in this fundamental change. There- about low-emission energies which are Everything needed to achieve long-term received the humanitarian hero of change? we raised. “Water boreholes in South of them on a daily basis. Nevertheless, fore, strong and resolute EU environ- fostered by the fossil fuel and energy environmental policy goals will help the year prize for her contribution Sudan” (the slogan was created for our we need to be aware that we have an mental and energy policies, including lobbies hand-in-hand with certain Poland’s development and give our citi- in the field of humanitarian aid. Polish people are very keen to help activities in this region) found its way impact on the life of people in other reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emis- politicians. So far, Polish civil society zens not only economic, environmental victims of natural disasters if appro- into school textbooks. Three quarters regions of the world. sions, increasing the share of renewable has not put pressure on politicians to and social benefits, but also immeasur- priate media coverage is provided. of Polish people believe that human- energy and improving energy efficiency demand changes to promote an innova- able health benefits. 8 - the poland experience The need to change to a fairer, more peaceful world

Despite the unequivocal findings of climate science, the urban middle class and young people about the it is currently designing its 2030 climate and energy the international community is currently not doing effects of their carbon footprint, in order to create a policies. This is a great opportunity to shape Europe’s enough to address the climate change challenge, and different society by changing mindsets and lifestyles future progress towards a low-carbon economy. These UN climate negotiations remain arduously slow, with in the community. measures should increase energy efficiency and the most policy decisions failing to meet people’s needs, usage of renewable energy in Europe, thus ensuring whether they concern a shift to low-carbon societies, Alternatives for change already exist, such as energy safe and clean energy for Europeans, while reducing support to developing countries’ efforts to adapt to efficiency and moving to renewable energy sources. its greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, in a spirit climate events such as droughts or flooding, or finan- Beyond much-needed individual initiatives, what is of solidarity and differentiated responsibility, climate cial support for vulnerable countries to adopt sustain- crucial today is strong political will to develop and finance is the central tool through which vulnerable able paths towards development. implement the right policies at international level. countries can access funding to use for climate adap- 2014 is a critical year: States must be ready to come tation. Nonetheless, in recent years, civil society has organ- prepared to Paris in December 2015, when a new multi- ised major campaigns to urge world leaders to take lateral, fair and binding agreement for tackling climate Consequently, the international community needs account of the realities of climate science and the change must be signed by all countries. For the deal to to understand the serious consequences of an inad- principles of justice. These campaigns demonstrate be fair, leaders must take practical steps to ensure that equate post-2015 climate agreement: short-term that local mobilisation can trigger a global shift to a each country will contribute to the international effort, ambitions must be replaced by long-term ambitions fairer and more sustainable world. For instance, IESR according to its respective responsibility for climate so that climate justice can become part of economic – an Indonesian partner of our England and Wales change and its capacity to cope with climate impacts. and social discourse and then be integrated in a new member CAFOD – designed a campaign called ‘Low Meanwhile, the European Union, and with it Poland, narrative of global human well-being. Carbon Society’, aimed at raising awareness among has the opportunity to show political leadership as

papal pronouncements on care for creation

Photos © Mazur & Sherwood

pope John Paul II Excerpt of the homily given in Zamosc (Poland), 1999

“The beauty of this land leads me to appeal its preservation for future generations. If you love our native land, do not let this appeal go unan- swered! In a special way I call upon those who have been entrusted with responsibility for this country and its development, and I urge them not to neglect their duty of protecting it against environmental destruction.”

pope Benedict XVI Caritas in Veritate, 2009

“The protection of the environment, of resources and of the climate obliges all international leaders to act jointly and to show a readiness to work in good faith, respecting the law and promoting solidarity with the weakest regions of the planet.”

pope Francis general audience on Un World Environment Day, June 2013

“Cultivating and caring for creation is God’s indication given to each one of us not only at the beginning of history; it is part of His project; it means nurturing the world with responsibility and transforming it into a garden, a habitable place for everyone.”

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