Relationship to others - Week one

Apr 20, 2016 by ESSMY

Question 1- Who is responsible?

The question isn’t who is responsible for acting and raising awareness for climate change; the real question is who ISN’T?

We all have a responsibility and a role to play as human beings and global citizens. Developed countries are especially those who are contributing to climate change the most, and must take the most responsibility.

Question 2- What is the role of…

1. Government? - As national and provincial leaders, the government’s role is to lead action regarding environmental protection. Government officials are in a position to put regulations on industries such as oil and gas and to invest in renewable energy sectors and provide green jobs and a green economy. They also have a role in creating enthusiasm and empowering citizens by providing environmental education.
2. Civil society? - The role of civil society is to create awareness and put pressure on the government to take action by writing letters and creating awareness in the media. Their role is to inform the general public about the human impacts on climate change in order to get people to care.
3. Individuals? - Is it important for individuals to reflect on our own relationships with nature and to re-evaluate our relationship with creation and all living things. In other words, we need to start to have a shift in thinking about our relationship with creation in order for us to facilitate change.
4. Communities? - The role of communities is to act as one, and to collaborate to bring about change. We have a role in taking action at the local level by investing in renewable energy in our local community centers, gyms, pools, etc.
5. Developed countries? - Developed countries need to invest in the Green Climate Fund to support adaptation and mitigation in developing countries. We also need to follow through on our commitments to the Green Climate Fund. We must take accountability for the fact that we are the worst producers of emissions by both reducing our emissions and aiding those in developing countries who have been affected by our actions.

Question 3- What does Pope Francis say are some short term solutions? Long term solutions?

Pope Francis’ long term solutions are to eliminate gas, coal, and oil products. He says the short term fixes are technological ones, with don’t address the underlying, environmental, social, economics, and spiritual problems. 

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