The Cry of the Earth A Call to Action for Climate Justice A Pastoral Reflection on Climate Change from the Irish Catholic Bishops' Conference
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The Cry
of the Earth
A Call to Action
for Climate Justice
A Pastoral Reflection on Climate Change
from the Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference
2014
The Cry of the Earth
A Call to Action for Climate Justice
A Pastoral Reflection on Climate Change by
The Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference
2014
2 · The Cry of the Earth
Foreword God our Father, open our eyes to see your hand at work in
the splendour of creation,
in the beauty of human life.
Touched by your hand our world is holy.
– Opening Prayer,
Mass of 17th Sunday of Ordinary Time
G
od, in whom we live and as St Francis of Assisi showed us.
move and have our being, It means respecting each of God’s
has given us the gift of this creatures and respecting the
beautiful earth. Creation flows out environment in which we live. It
of the heart of an infinitely loving means protecting people, showing
Creator. Touched by God’s hand, our loving concern for each and every
world is holy. person, especially children, the
Our earth is also complex. Its elderly, those in need, who are
systems of life are interdependent often the last we think about.
and finely balanced. Small changes
in one part of the planet’s rhythms In 2009 the Irish Bishops published
and systems can have significant, if The Cry of the Earth. It aimed to
not dramatic, consequences for the stimulate and resource dialogue and
whole of the earth and its creatures. reflection on the critical questions
Hence global climate change is one posed by the challenge of climate
of the most critical issues of our time. change. The reflection was inspired
How we respond to climate change by Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI’s
will have consequences for the future Encyclical Letter Caritas in Veritate,
of every person and every form of life published earlier that same year.
on the earth. The letter emphasised that the
From the beginning of his papacy, ‘environment is God’s gift to
Pope Francis has kept this message everyone, and in our use of it we
at the heart of his teaching. In the have a responsibility towards the
homily of his inauguration Mass poor, towards future generations and
he explained that protection of the towards humanity as a whole.’
environment is the responsibility of On the role of the Church, Pope
everyone: Benedict stated: ‘The Church has a
responsibility towards creation and
It means protecting all creation, she must assert this responsibility
the beauty of the created world, in the public sphere’ (nn. 48 and 51).
as the Book of Genesis tells us and Accordingly, in The Cry of the Earth
The Cry of the Earth · 3
individuals, parish communities and the damaging effects of climate in many parts of the world, is prone
all people of good will were invited change. to hedonism and consumerism,
to reflect on ‘that covenant between The second part of this reflection regardless of their harmful
human beings and the environment, sees our natural environment as consequences. What is needed
which should mirror the creative love ‘a wondrous work of the Creator is an effective shift in mentality
of God, from whom we come and containing a “grammar” which sets which can lead to the adoption of
towards whom we are journeying’ forth … Criteria for its wise use, not ‘new lifestyles’ in which the quest
(n. 50). its reckless exploitation’ (n. 48). It for truth, beauty, goodness and
This pastoral reflection proved offers such reflections on sacred communion with others for the sake
to be a valuable tool for those who scripture, key ethical principles of common growth are the factors
are concerned about the impact and themes from Catholic Social which determine consumer choices,
of climate change and want to Doctrine. They inspire and guide savings and investments. (n. 51)
take action to address its negative our vocation as stewards of God’s This sentiment was echoed by
consequences. As more and more creation. While scientific knowledge Pope Francis in his 2013 Pastoral
people in our society are becoming is constantly evolving, the principles Exhortation Evangelii Gaudium, in
aware of the unjust impact of that inform our approach, as which he defines solidarity as ‘the
climate change on some of the most Christians, to these developments creation of a new mind-set which
vulnerable communities in our world, remain steadfast, rooted in our faith. thinks in terms of community and
this document has been updated for Finally, this pastoral reflection the priority of the life of all over the
2014, with supporting resources for offers some practical actions. The appropriation of goods by a few’ (n.
dialogue at parish level. lifestyle individuals, parishes and 188).
The first part of this pastoral others adopt can reduce the impact Grateful to God for the gift of his
reflection helps us to inform of many of our day-to-day activities creation, I encourage all people of
ourselves by examining the science on our natural environment and, goodwill to reflect urgently on how
associated with climate change. It consequently, on our global climate. we can work together to take more
includes analysis from international In addressing the challenge of responsible care of our planet now
groups of scientists such as the climate change, everyone has a and for the sake of generations yet
UN Intergovernmental Panel on part to play. Every action taken in unborn. They deserve no less of us.
Climate Change, the Environmental favour of a just and more sustainable
Protection Agency of Ireland and environment, no matter how Cardinal Seán Brady
the experts on climate change small, has an intrinsic value. Action President of the
we have consulted in Ireland. An at a global level, as well as every Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference
overwhelming consensus exists individual action which contributes
among credible national and to integral human development and
international organisations working global solidarity, helps to construct a
in this area. The precautionary more sustainable environment and,
principal means that we should therefore, a better world.
react now to the risk of serious harm In 2009 Pope Emeritus Benedict
posed by the plausible link between XVI called contemporary society to a
certain types of human activity and serious review of its lifestyle, which,
4 · The Cry of the Earth
The Cry of the Earth · 5
‘Action at a global level, as well
as every individual action which
contributes to integral human
development and global solidarity,
helps to construct a more
sustainable environment and,
therefore, a better world.’
– Cardinal Seán Brady
6 · The Cry of the EarthIntroduction Pope Francis wrote in his World
Day of Peace Message 2014:
Earlier, in January 2001, surveying the
wider ecological context, Saint John
Paul II called for profound ‘ecological
Nature, in a word, is at our conversion’:
disposition and we are called to
exercise a responsible stewardship [I]f we scan the regions of our
O
over it. Yet so often we are driven planet, we immediately see that
ur home, planet earth, by greed and by the arrogance humanity has disappointed God’s
God’s creation, is an of dominion, possession, expectations. Man, especially in
extraordinarily beautiful manipulation and exploitation; our time, has without hesitation
and fruitful place. It is appropriately we do not preserve nature; nor devastated wooded plains
called ‘the garden planet’ of the do we respect it or consider it a and valleys, polluted waters,
universe. We humans, with every gracious gift which we must care disfigured the earth’s habitat,
other species, depend totally on the for and set at the service of our made the air unbreathable,
proper functioning of the planet for brothers and sisters, including disturbed the hydrogeological and
the air we breathe, the water we future generations.1 atmospheric spheres, and turned
drink, the food that sustains us and luxuriant areas into deserts and
the multiple other ways in which the Pope Benedict XVI also talked about undertaken forms of unrestrained
earth supports us and every other the need for ‘obedience to the voice industrialisation, humiliating the
creature. Though the earth appears of the earth’ when he spoke to the flower-garden of the universe, to
very robust, we know that it can be clergy of the Diocese of Belluno- use the image of Dante Alighieri
quite fragile and that small changes, Feltre and Treviso on 24 July 2007: (Paradiso, XXII, 151). We must
over time, can have enormous therefore encourage and support
consequences for life. Today we all see that humans the ‘ecological conversion’ that
could destroy the foundations in recent decades has made
of our existence, the earth … We humanity more sensitive to
must respect the internal laws the catastrophe to which it has
of creation of this earth, learn been heading. Man is no longer
from these laws and also obey the Creator’s ‘steward’, but an
these laws, if we wish to survive. autonomous despot, who is finally
Therefore, this obedience to beginning to understand that
the voice of the earth, to life, is he must stop at the edge of the
more important for our future abyss.2
happiness than the voices of
the moment, the desires of the 1. Message Of His Holiness Francis for the
celebration of The World Day Of Peace,
moment.
Fraternity, The Foundation And Pathway To
Peace, No. 7, 1 January 2014.
2. Pope John Paul II, ‘God made man the
steward of Creation’, L’Osservatore Romano,
24 January 2001.
The Cry of the Earth · 78 · The Cry of the Earth
Part I: What Scientists Say About
Climate Change
B
efore reflecting on the was covered with glaciers. Such
ethical and religious dimension natural causes of climate fluctuation
of climate change, it is can also occur in shorter time scales,
important that we examine some such as happened in Europe from
of the fundamental elements of the the fifteenth to the mid-nineteenth
science involved. As the scientists we century, causing rivers like the Liffey
consulted explain, the atmosphere to freeze regularly each winter.
of our planet is composed of a thin Scientists, notably
layer of gases which supports all those associated with the
life on earth. The principle gases, Intergovernmental Panel on
nitrogen and oxygen, are responsible Climate Change (ipcc), believe that
for 78 per cent and 21 per cent of the climate change we are now
the atmosphere respectively. There experiencing goes beyond the range
are minute amounts of other gases, of natural fluctuation and that this is
such as carbon dioxide and methane. caused by human activity, particularly
If our earth did not have these the burning of fossil fuel. Ice cores
trace gases in the atmosphere, the taken from the Arctic and Antarctic
average global temperature would tell us that for the past 10,000
be around –18 degrees Celsius, which years, right up to the beginning of
would be too cold to sustain life. the Industrial Revolution 250 years
With our present atmosphere, the ago, there was roughly 280 parts
average global temperature is +15 per million (ppm) of carbon dioxide
degrees Celsius, which makes it very (CO2) in the atmosphere. In spring of
conducive for life to flourish. this year the value approached 402
Scientists also inform us that at ppm, unprecedented over the past
times in the history of our planet the 800,000 years. Concentrations are
earth has been almost a ball of ice. rising by about 2 ppm every year.
At other times, there was no ice on The reason why global warming
earth and tropical creatures swam in is called the ‘greenhouse effect’ is
the Arctic Ocean. For 85,000 of the that gases such as carbon dioxide,
past 100,000 years, much of Ireland methane, nitrous oxide and
The Cry of the Earth · 9hydrofluorocarbons trap infrared ttRisk of death, injury, ill-health, or communities in the tropics and
radiation, which would otherwise disrupted livelihoods in low-lying the Arctic.
pass back out into space. As long coastal zones and small island ttRisk of loss of terrestrial and
as the percentage of the various developing states and other small inland water ecosystems,
gases in the atmosphere remains islands, due to storm surges, biodiversity, and the ecosystem
more or less constant, a balance is coastal flooding and sea-level rise. goods, functions and services they
established which ensures relatively ttRisk of severe ill-health and provide for livelihoods.
stable climatic conditions globally. disrupted livelihoods for large
When the percentage of greenhouse urban populations due to inland Many likely impacts constitute
gases increase, temperatures begin flooding in some regions. particular challenges for the least
to rise as human activity, especially ttSystemic risks due to extreme developed countries and vulnerable
the burning of fossil fuel, increases weather events leading to communities, given their limited
the amount of greenhouse gases in breakdown of infrastructure ability to cope. In most cases they
the atmosphere. The average global networks and critical services such have made a negligible contribution
temperature in 2008 was only 0.85 as electricity, water supply and to this global problem.
degrees Celsius higher than it was in health and emergency services. By any standards this is a worrying
the late nineteenth century, and yet ttRisk of mortality and morbidity prospect and yet it is based on a 2
the consequences of this small change during periods of extreme heat, degree Celsius rise in average global
have already been considerable. particularly for vulnerable urban temperature. According to the
populations and those working scientists we have consulted, a rise of
Scientists on the outdoors in urban or rural areas. 4 degrees Celsius, which could happen
consequences of Climate ttRisk of food insecurity and the unless we take remedial action soon,
Change breakdown of food systems linked would do enormous damage to
Some of the likely consequences to warming, drought, flooding, the life-supporting systems of the
of climate change for humans and precipitation variability and planet. A global temperature rise of 2
were outlined in the second part of extremes, particularly for poorer degrees Celsius is generally taken as
the Fifth Assessment Report of the populations in urban and rural the threshold beyond which recovery
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate settings. would be difficult. The longer we
Change, which was published in ttRisk of loss of rural livelihoods and delay in making a transition to a low
three volumes over the past year. income due to insufficient access carbon world, the more difficult the
Some 800 of the world’s top climate to drinking and irrigation water and task becomes. Unless dramatic steps
scientists were involved as authors reduced agricultural productivity, are taken to reduce our greenhouse
and some 140,000 comments were particularly for farmers and gas emissions within the next decade
considered from thousands of other pastoralists with minimal capital it will be almost impossible to avoid
experts. Representatives of the in semi-arid regions. dangerous climate change.
Irish government signed off on the ttRisk of loss of marine and coastal While one cannot conclude that
report as they have on every IPCC ecosystems, biodiversity, and the a particular climate event, such as
Assessment Report since 1990. The ecosystem goods, functions and Hurricane Katrina in 2005 or Typhoon
main conclusions include increased services they provide for coastal Haiyan in 2013, is a direct result of
risks as follows: livelihoods, especially for fishing climate change, scientists say that
10 · The Cry of the Earthsevere weather patterns will happen of wheat, rice and maize are likely rainfall during the summer and early
more often. A fingerprint of human- from the 2030s, with declines of autumn months across eastern
induced climate change can now be up to 2 per cent per decade for the and central Ireland are predicted.
detected in some extreme weather remainder of this century. There is Such rainfall patterns would put
events, such as heatwaves. growing evidence that many crops huge pressure on public authorities,
With climate change, sea levels in poorer countries will be adversely especially in terms of providing
are expected to rise significantly affected by climate change, which drinkable water for Dublin and other
because of thermal expansion in could give rise to more malnutrition, cities and large towns situated in the
the oceans and melting ice caps in hunger and starvation. eastern part of the country.
Greenland and the western Antarctic, In terms of agriculture, such
in addition to run-off from thawing Scientists on Climate Change changes in climate would make it
glaciers on the Himalayas and the in Ireland difficult to grow potatoes. It seems
Andes. A rise of a single metre Using models that have been that the west will be too wet and the
in ocean levels would make life constructed from a massive amount east will be too dry for this historic
impossible for millions of people who of data, climate change scientists Irish crop. Other crops, such as maize,
live in the delta area of Bangladesh. from organisations such as the Irish will benefit from the changes.
Many of the low-lying islands in the Environmental Protection Agency A study conducted in 2007 for
Indian and Pacific Oceans, such as predict that there will be an increase the National Botanical Gardens of
the Maldives, Tuvalu and Kiribati, are in temperature in Ireland of between Ireland estimates that 171 native
already feeling the effects of rising 1.5 degrees Celsius by mid-century, plant species, making up 20 per cent
sea levels. The storms which ravaged with a further increase of 0.5 to 1 of the total Irish flora, are vulnerable
the coast of Ireland last winter were degrees Celsius by 2075. By 2050, to climate change. Natural habitats
rendered more potent by slightly the extreme south and south-west for many threatened plants may
higher sea levels than they would coasts may have an average January no longer be able to support their
have been a century ago. temperature of 8 degrees Celsius. indigenous species. Some of the
Scientists estimate that climate July temperatures are predicted to plants and animals we take for
change could cause the extinction increase by 2.5 degrees Celsius by granted in the Irish landscape may
of more than one million species 2050. Maximum July temperatures of disappear.
on earth because plants, animals or the order of 22.5 degrees Celsius are
fish will be unable to adapt to new likely to prevail generally, with areas
climate niches. Losses of this scale in the central midlands experiencing
have serious consequences for future mean maximum July temperatures
generations. of 24.5 degrees Celsius. There are also
Climate change is also affecting likely to be more heatwaves.
agriculture. The second part of Overall, scientists predict
the Fifth Assessment Report of the that there will be increases in
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate precipitation, especially in the winter
Change, published in April 2014, months. The greatest absolute
predicted that negative impacts increases are suggested for the
on the yields for the major crops north-west. Marked decreases in
The Cry of the Earth · 1112 · The Cry of the Earth
Part II: A Christian Response to the
Challenge of Climate Change
T
he call to ‘ecological [N]ature speaks to us of the
conversion’ challenges us to Creator (cf. Rm 1:20) and his love
look again at our attitude for humanity. It is destined to be
towards the earth we inhabit. God’s ‘recapitulated’ in Christ at the end
earth cares for us by providing us of time (cf. Eph 1:9-10; Col 1:19-20).
with everything we need for our well- Thus it too is a ‘vocation’. Nature
being. Our responsibility to care for is at our disposal not as a heap
the earth and for each other comes of scattered refuse, but as a gift
from the call to be stewards of God’s of the Creator who has given it an
creation. This call to stewardship inbuilt order, enabling man … ‘to till
is made clear in Genesis 2:15 when it and keep it’ (Gn 2:15). (n. 48)
God took man and put him in the
garden of Eden ‘to till it and keep it’. The verse ‘Be fruitful, multiply, fill
The verbs ‘till’ and ‘keep’ used in this the earth and conquer it’ (Gn 1:28)
context have overtones of service is often used to accuse Christianity
and commitment. They infer part of of being insensitive to the natural
a duty of care given to us by God to world. It is claimed that Christianity
keep the earth from harm. has used this text to see other
In his inaugural homily on 19 creatures and the earth itself as a
March 2013, Pope Francis appealed quarry, a resource to be plundered
to all those who have positions of and which is exclusively for human
responsibility in economic, political use. The text does give humans
and social life, and all men and dominion over the earth, but it is a
women of goodwill: ‘Let us be dominion of service, of responsibility
“protectors” of God’s plan inscribed and care, patterned on God’s own
in nature, protectors of one another dominion over all creatures.
and of the environment.’ As the Compendium of the Social
This theme is echoed by Pope Doctrine of the Church explains:
Benedict XVI in Caritas in Veritate. As
he explains: God freely confers being and life
on everything that exists. Man
The Cry of the Earth · 13and woman, created in his image ‘The World is charged with the
and likeness, are for that very grandeur of God.’
reason called to be the visible Acknowledging God’s presence
sign and the effective instrument revealed through the wonder of all
of divine gratuitousness in living things has also been a strong
the garden where God has theme in the Celtic spiritual tradition.
placed them as cultivators and It has featured dominantly in Irish
custodians of the goods of poetry.
creation. (n. 26)
This call on us to be stewards for all life
is made again and again throughout
the scriptures. Central to the Noah
story (Gn 11-9:17), for example, is God’s I see his blood upon the rose
commandment to Noah to conserve
nature by taking two of every kind into
And in the stars, the glory of his eyes,
the ark (Gn 6:19). Later, after the flood, His Body gleams amid eternal snows,
when God renews the covenant it is
His tears fall from the skies.
not merely with humankind, but with
all creation: ‘I am now establishing my
covenant with you and with all your I see his face in every flower;
descendants to come, and with every
living creature that was with you … The thunder and the singing of the birds
everything that came out of the ark’ Are but his voice – and carven by his power
(Gn 9:10).
Scripture also witnesses to God’s Rocks are his written words.
wisdom embedded in the earth
(Job 38:2). In the psalms we look at
the earth’s wonders and praise our All pathways by his feet are worn,
Creator (Ps 148). The belief that the His strong heart stirs the ever-beating sea,
earth reflects the goodness, beauty,
wisdom and power of God to us is His crown of thorns is twined with every thorn,
firmly rooted in biblical tradition. His cross is every tree.
In a sermon to agriculturalists,
Saint John Paul II said: ‘Within the
movement of nature, tranquil and Joseph Mary Plunkett
silent but rich in life, there continues
to palpitate the original delight of
the Creator.’ The poet Gerard Manley
Hopkins expressed it in these words:
14 · The Cry of the EarthCREATION AS THE WORK OF THE The Kingdom of God that Jesus and Giver of Life, is inspiring people
HOLY TRINITY preached envisaged a world where in our age to dedicate themselves to
We believe that this good and peace, justice and human well-being serve others and, in the words of the
beautiful universe has been brought would be promoted and celebrated well-known prayer to the Holy Spirit,
forth by the community of love that is (Is 35:1-7; Mk 1:14-15). We know to ‘renew the face of the earth’.
the Triune God, Father, Son and Holy that human well-being cannot be The Spirit calls us to hear what we
Spirit. Creation itself is an act of Divine achieved if the life systems of the might describe poetically as the ‘cry of
love. It is given to us as a free gift. Saint world are irreversibly damaged, the earth’ and to give it a central place
Paul writes that ‘all things were created because healthy creatures cannot in our discipleship of Jesus today. This
through him and for him. He is before survive on a sick planet. in turn challenges us to look again at
all things and in him all things hold The resurrection of Christ is our attitude to wealth, to economic
together’ (Col 1:16-17). Saint Athanasius the beginning of a new creation growth and how we distribute and
(296–373) expands on this theme when (2 Cor 5:17-19). Through the reality consume the good of this earth.
he writes that ‘the Father creates all of the resurrection all matter is In the words of Pope Benedict
things through the Word in the Spirit; transformed and taken up into the XVI in Caritas in Veritate: ‘[W]hat
for where the Word is there is the Spirit life of the Trinity. In the words of the is needed is an effective shift in
also and things created through the Compendium of the Social Doctrine mentality which can lead to the
Word have their being from the Spirit of the Church: ‘The entrance of Jesus adoption of new lifestyles in which the
by means of the Word’.3 Christ into the history of the world quest for truth, beauty, goodness and
In the incarnation we believe that reaches its culmination in the Paschal communion with others for the sake
God entered into the material world Mystery, where nature itself takes of common growth are the factors
in a unique manner in the person part in the drama of the rejection which determine consumer choices,
of Jesus Christ. He fully identified of the Son of God and in the victory savings and investments’ (n. 51).
himself with our humanity and thus of the Resurrection’ (n. 454). Saint In his 1990 World Day of Peace
with all creation. The importance Paul states that ‘God was in Christ message, Saint John Paul II also
of nature in the life of Jesus is reconciling the world to himself’ reflected on the link between
highlighted in a particular way in St (Col 1:20). The Easter preface in the certain approaches to affluence and
Mark’s Gospel. The Spirit led Jesus Roman Missal echoes this belief ecological devastation and human
into the wilderness, Mark tells us, when it proclaims: ‘In Him a new age deprivation:
‘where wild beasts and angels looked has dawned, the long reign of sin
after him’ (Mk 1:12 and 13). It was is ended, a broken world has been Modern society will find no
during his sojourn in the desert that renewed and man is once again solution to the ecological problem
Jesus came to full awareness of the made whole.’ unless it takes a serious look at
messianic ministry he was called The resurrection is also a cosmic its lifestyle. In many parts of the
to embrace. St John sums up the sign of hope. All creation is united world society is given to instant
mission of Jesus when he writes, ‘I in Christ and, therefore, has a future gratification and consumerism
have come that they may have life, in God. This hope is anchored in the while remaining indifferent to
and have it to the full’ (Jn 10:10). presence of the Spirit in our world. the damage which these cause
We believe that the Spirit, whom we … If an appreciation of the value
3. St Athanasius, Epistle to Seraphim, 3.4. confess in the Creed to be the Lord of the human person and human
The Cry of the Earth · 15Saint John Paul ii was convinced that humans could build a civilisation of love if we harnessed these values of simplicity, not only in our personal relationship with God and nature, but also in our relationship with each other. 16 · The Cry of the Earth
life is lacking, we will also lose In such an economy, self-sacrifice skills of farming, milling, baking and
interest in others and the earth would no longer be an unpopular winemaking. In the Eucharist we give
itself. Simplicity, moderation and concept. Such restraint and self- thanks to God for the blessings of
discipline, as well as a spirit of sacrifice would remind us that we both creation and redemption. As
sacrifice, must become part of are more than what we possess in the bread and wine are transformed
everyday life, lest all suffer the terms of material goods. It may even into the body and blood of Christ for
negative consequence of the contribute to a better quality of life, our nourishment, we are challenged
careless habits of a few. (n. 13) with people having more time to to promote this harmony between
spend with family and friends, to humans and the rest of creation by
True stewardship, therefore, requires make volunteer commitments to the way we live our lives.
a conversion of heart and a change of their local community and engage in There is nothing new in this
attitude. Our Christian faith has always health-promoting activity. A simpler approach: the celebration of
placed great value on the virtue of self- lifestyle may also be a less stressful the Eucharist in the early church
control and moderation in the use of lifestyle, making inner contentment emphasised the importance of
material goods. As well as promoting and peace more possible. the created world. For example,
an internal spiritual and moral Saint John Paul II was convinced the liturgy associated with St Basil
freedom, a life less focused on material that we could build a civilisation of (330–379) used language and prayers
gain and conspicuous consumption love if we harnessed these values of about the gathering of the grain for
would contribute to a more just and simplicity, not only in our personal the making of bread and the activity
sustainable world economy. relationship with God and nature, but of viniculture for making the wine.
The power of Trinitarian also in our relationship with each other. The bread ‘which earth has given and
love is captured by the In the words of Pope Benedict XVI: human hands have made’ and the
poet Patrick Kavanagh in ‘The Great ‘Every violation of solidarity and civic wine which is ‘fruit of the vine and
Hunger’: friendship harms the environment, just work of human hands’ are changed
as environmental deterioration in turn into the very substance of the
upsets relations in society’ (CV, n. 51). crucified but risen and glorified body
Yet sometimes when the The celebration of the Eucharist of the New Creation.
sun comes through a gap also challenges us to share the
These men know God the goods of the earth with everyone, KEY ETHICAL PRINCIPLES
especially the poor, and to be In recent years we have become more
Father in a tree:
concerned for the well-being of all aware that we cannot have life to
The Holy Spirit is the rising creation. In the Eucharist we do not the full on a plundered, polluted and
sap, use raw wheat or grape juice, but ailing planet. While climate change is
And Christ will be the green bread and wine, which involve a co- a technical, scientific and economic
leaves that will come operative relationship between the issue, it is also a moral one. The core
fruitfulness of the earth and human of the moral issue is that actions
At Easter from the sealed
and guarded tomb.4 4. The lines from ‘The Great Hunger’ by Patrick Kavanagh are reprinted from Collected Poems,
edited by Antoinette Quinn (Allen Lane, 2004), by kind permission of the Trustees of the Estate of
the late Katherine B. Kavanagh, through the Jonathan Williams Literary Agency.
The Cry of the Earth · 17which we take today can undermine question of energy consumption in In the light of the more recent
the well-being of millions of people particular: reports from the Intergovernmental
now, especially the poor, and Panel on Climate Change, we
condemn further generations to live What is also needed is a therefore support the position taken
in an inhospitable world. worldwide redistribution of energy by the European Union to aim to
‘Action on a global scale as
Catholic moral tradition and social
doctrine, based on the revelation
resources, so that countries
lacking those resources can have
keep temperature rises below a
2 degrees Celsius rise above pre-
well as action at the local and
of God’s love for all creation in the
scriptures and on the inherent
access to them. The fate of those
countries cannot be left in the
industrial levels. We share the hope
of others who have a concern for the
personal level can make a critical
dignity of every person, offer a
number of core principles that can
hand of whoever is the first to
claim the spoils, or whoever is able
future viability of the earth that a
new international treaty to reduce
contribution to the development
guide our response to the challenge to prevail over the rest … everyone greenhouse gas emissions will be
of climate change. These include: must responsibly recognise the agreed at the forthcoming United
of a just and responsible human impact they will have on future Nations Framework Convention
The Common Good generations, particularly the on Climate Change Conference,
ecology.’
The earth is our common home. many young people in the poorer which will take place in Paris in
We are intimately interconnected nations, who ask to assume their December 2015. We encourage Irish
with one another and with all the active part in the construction of a government representatives to
life-systems of the planet. Humans– Cardinal better world.Seán
(n. 49) Brady strengthen their commitment to
are part of, and have a unique these vital international agreements
responsibility for, the interaction As we explained in our pastoral letter and to agree legally binding limits for
between all living creatures and Towards the Global Common Good: greenhouse gas emissions that will
the atmosphere, land and water. enable us to keep global temperature
Actions which undermine this Nations which embrace such rises below 2 degrees Celsius. With
well-being, such as the unnecessary solidarity soon recognise that many others around the world we
and excessive burning of fossil commitment to the common good hope and pray that the political
fuel, have to be evaluated in light requires a change of mindset. It leaders meeting in Paris in December
of our responsibility for the global requires going beyond a model of 2015 will take the courageous
common good. ‘The common good international relations in which decisions needed to fulfil ‘our grave
of society is not an end in itself; nations seek their own advantage duty to hand the earth on to future
it has value only in reference to often at the expense of others, to generations in such a condition that
attaining the ultimate ends of the one in which national advantage they too can worthily inhabit and
person and the universal common will sometimes be limited by the continue to cultivate it’ (CV, n. 50).
good of the whole of creation’ need to find common solutions There are important moral
(Compendium, n. 170). to common problems. This in turn dimensions to the criteria which
In Caritas in Veritate, Pope Benedict requires a spirit of co-operation will be used for allocating global
XVI emphasises this principle of the and a willingness to sacrifice emissions targets among nations
‘universal common good’, highlighting short-term gains, or even national in the future. Care must be taken to
the need for greater global solidarity interest, for the sake of the global ensure that the most economically,
and civic friendship around the common good. (n. 4) politically or militarily powerful
18 · The Cry of the Earth‘Action on a global scale as
well as action at the local and
personal level can make a critical
The earth is our common home.
contribution to the development
We are intimately interconnected
of a just and responsible human
to one another and with all the
ecology.’
lifesystems of the planet.
– Cardinal Seán Brady
The Cry of the Earth · 19The Creator gave the earth to the whole human race. Each person is therefore entitled to have access to what he or she needs in order to live and develop. 20 · The Cry of the Earth
nations of the world are not in a In the words of the Compendium Graziano da Silva, whom I had
position to take advantage of those of the Social Doctrine of the Church: occasion to meet at the beginning
countries that have fewer resources. ‘The climate is a good that must be of my ministry as Bishop of Rome.
Christians across the world have a protected and reminds consumers On that occasion he made it clear
vital role in forming the conscience and those engaged in industrial to me that the situation worldwide
of their governments on this issue. activity to develop a greater sense is particularly difficult, not only
In the race to secure the of responsibility for their behaviour’ because of the economic crisis but
diminishing amount of fossil fuel (n. 470). Governments, industry and also due to problems associated
and other resources in the world, individuals have a responsibility with security, the great number of
we must ensure that the poor are to promote and protect the continuing conflicts, climate change
not trampled under foot. environment. ‘God gave the earth and the preservation of biological
to the whole human race for the diversity.’
The Universal Destination of the sustenance of all its members,
Goods of the Earth without excluding or favouring Subsidiarity
God, the Creator, gave the earth to anyone. This is the foundation of the This principle holds that each person
the whole human race. Each person universal destination of the earth’s or group should take the appropriate
is therefore entitled to have access to goods’ (Compendium, n. 171). action at a personal or local level
what he or she needs in order to live The universal destination of goods when addressing an issue common
and develop. requires a common effort to obtain to all. In our earlier pastoral letter,
Pope Paul VI emphasised this truth for every person and for all peoples Towards the Global Common Good,
when he reminded us that: the conditions necessary for integral we wrote that, where climate
development, so that everyone can change was concerned, ‘it is a moral
God intended the earth and contribute to making a more humane imperative that the measures set
everything in it for the use of all and sustainable world. In the words out in the National Climate Change
human beings and peoples. Thus, of the Compendium, this ‘requires Strategy 2000 are implemented
under the leadership of justice that the poor, the marginalised and in with greater speed’. All of us have
and in the company of charity, all cases those whose living conditions our part to play in implementing that
created goods should flow fairly interfere with their proper growth strategy: homes, schools, seminaries
to all. All other rights, whatever should be the focus of particular and theological institutes, parishes,
they may be, including the rights concern. To this end, the preferential businesses and governments. In this
of property and free trade, are to option for the poor should be pastoral reflection we renew that
be subordinated to this principle. reaffirmed in all its force’ (n. 182). appeal. As part of this document we
They should in no way hinder it; in In an address to the Food and have outlined practical steps that
fact, they should actively facilitate Agriculture Organisation (fao) in every individual, family and parish can
its implementation. Redirecting Rome on 20 June 2013, Pope Francis take to help achieve this objective.
these rights back to their original made a very clear connection We also said in Towards the Global
purpose must be regarded as an between climate change and food Common Good that ‘whether it is
important and urgent social duty. security in the world’s poorest the type of energy we use to heat
(Populorum Progressio, n. 22) countries. He said: ‘I greet the our homes, the method we use to
Director-General, Professor José dispose of our waste, or the form
The Cry of the Earth · 21of transport we use to get to work, Distributive Justice is sometimes known as the
every decision we make in favour This principle challenges rich nations, ‘polluter pays principle’. This
of a more sustainable environment which over the past 150 years principle stipulates that those
is a decision in favour of the global have been responsible for most of most responsible for causing
common good’ (n. 7). the greenhouse gas pollution, to environmental pollution ought to be
‘Action on a global scale as
Solidarity
provide adequate compensation
for any unpreventable climate
held most liable for its consequences.
For example, it is projected that
well as action at the local and
As Christians we cannot consider
ourselves or our obligations in
change damages they cause. An
example of this principle at work is
Africa, which is responsible for less
than 3 per cent of global greenhouse
personal level can make a critical
isolation from others or from the
endangered earth and its creatures.
the Adaptation Fund, set up under
the United Nations Framework
gas emissions, will suffer most from
the impact of climate change with
contribution to the development
Solidarity gives expression to Convention on Climate Change more droughts, disrupted water
this interdependence between (unfccc) to help poor nations adapt supplies and sea level rises. This
of a just and responsible human
individuals, the wider human to climate change that is already would be a massive injustice to
community and all creation, which occurring. It is important that the people and ecosystems of that
ecology.’
has never been as evident as it this Adaptation Fund is properly continent.
is today. But this solidarity is not resourced. Similarly, resources and In addition, countries such as
a vague feeling of compassion. carbon-free technologies must be Ireland, which are major polluters,
Rather, in the words of Saint John – Cardinal
made availableSeán Bradyto
to poor countries need to drastically cut their carbon
Paul II, it is a ‘firm and persevering enable them to achieve sustainable emissions as quickly as possible.
determination to commit oneself to development without these This must involve serious cuts
the common good of all … because countries having to opt for a carbon- in greenhouse gas emissions,
we are all really responsible for all’ intensive route to economic growth. through mandatory caps, carbon
(Sollicitudo Rei Socialis, n. 38). Unfortunately, our missionaries taxes and, possibly, cap-and-trade
This responsibility extends to the and development workers suggest programmes. Care is also required
whole of creation and to all the finely to us that little of substance is regarding policies of switching areas
balanced life systems of our world, happening in this vital area of of agriculture to biofuel production.
which may be threatened by even making clean, non-carbon based There is a fundamental moral
marginal changes in the earth’s climate technologies available to people in dilemma to be faced in any policy
and by human behaviour. This includes developing nations. that involves burning food crops
having a humane and responsible In the words of Pope Benedict to supply energy for the rich and
attitude towards the well-being and XVI: ‘The technologically advanced developing nations of the world,
sustainability of other species. As Pope societies can and must lower their when hundreds of millions of people
Benedict XVI points out: ‘Just as human domestic energy consumption, are suffering from hunger.
virtues are interrelated, such that the either through an evolution in Similarly, ‘[T]he hoarding of
weakening of one places others at risk, manufacturing methods or through resources, especially water, can
so the ecological system is based on greater ecological sensitivity among generate serious conflicts among
a plan that affects both the health of their citizens’ (CV, n. 49). the peoples involved. Peaceful
society and its good relationship with A key dimension of distributive agreement about the use of resources
nature’ (CV, n. 51). justice in this context is what can protect nature and, at the same
22 · The Cry of the Earth‘Action on a global scale as
The European epa’s document,
well as action at the local and
Transport and Environment:
personal level can make a critical
Facing a Dilemma 2006, confirmed
contribution to the development
that transport emissions in
of a just and responsible human
Ireland had increased faster than
ecology.’
any other country in Europe.
– Cardinal Seán Brady
The Cry of the Earth · 23In 1979, Saint John Paul II proclaimed St Francis of Assisi as the patron saint of ecology. 24 · The Cry of the Earth
time, the well-being of the societies of their children or grandchildren Summit in Rio De Janeiro in 1992. As
concerned’ (CV, n. 51). and ask themselves if the way this a result, 154 nations signed the un
‘The protection of the generation is using fossil fuels Framework Convention on Climate
environment, of resources and of or managing the other precious Change. No mandatory limits on
the climate obliges all international resources of the planet is going to carbon emissions were set at this
leaders to act jointly and to show have a detrimental effect on the stage. This did not happen until the
a readiness to work in good faith, lives of future generations, the meeting at Kyoto in Japan in 1997.
respecting the law and promoting answer can only be yes. Failure to act Even though the ipcc scientists
solidarity with the weakest regions now could cause immense suffering said that greenhouse gas emissions
of the planet’ (CV, n. 50). for future generations. needed to be cut by between 80–95
Many people believe that religions This principle is closely connectedper cent within the next thirty-five
have much to contribute when it to the precautionary principle and years to stabilise the global climate,
comes to educating people about the the virtue of prudence. We need countries have not been willing to
reality of climate change. Recently, to take action now to ensure the put global needs beyond national
Christiana Figueres – the Costa viability of the earth for future self interest. Several failed attempts
Rican diplomat who is the Executive generations. It is ‘incumbent upon to legislate for reductions in Irish
Secretary of the unfccc – called on the competent authorities to make greenhouse gas emissions have now
religious leaders to speak out on every effort to ensure that the occurred and no mid-century targets
climate change. She pointed out that economic and social costs of using are contained in the current draft
the traditional corporal works of up shared environmental resources law going through the Oireachtas.
mercy – such as overcoming poverty, are recognised with transparency International commitments bind
caring for the sick, feeding the and fully borne by those who incur Ireland to reducing its greenhouse
hungry – will become more difficult them, not by other peoples or future gas emissions by 20 per cent
in a climate changed world. generations’ (CV, n. 50). compared with 2005 within the next
six years. Failure to do so may result
Intergenerational Justice HONOURING INTERNATIONAL in fines and a further burden on the
Climate change points to the ethical COMMITMENTS hard-pressed taxpayer. Currently
issues involved in inter-generational Many of these principles, drawn from Ireland has one of the highest per
justice. ‘Projects for integral Catholic moral tradition and Social capita greenhouse gas emission
development,’ Pope Benedict XVI Doctrine, are reflected in various rates in Europe and the latest data
reminds us, ‘cannot ignore coming international agreements which does not indicate that the required
generations, but need to be marked have been made on climate change reductions are occurring.
by solidarity and inter-generational since 1990. We all have a responsibility
justice, while taking into account Since climate change affects every to ensure that meeting our
a variety of contexts: ecological, part of the earth, adherence to these international targets and developing
juridical, economic, political and international agreements is critical more environmentally sensitive ways
cultural’ (CV, n. 48). if the challenge of climate change to progress our economy remains
At a concrete level this issue is to be addressed. Climate change a key collective priority for each of
is very clear. When parents or figured frequently in the speeches us as well as for government policy.
grandparents look into the eyes of the heads of state at the Earth Special pleading, or seeking to get
The Cry of the Earth · 25the rules relaxed to suit us, is not linked to our duties towards the creation – animate and inanimate
the way to go as each country can human person, considered in – which, with the exception of the
identify particular emission sectors himself and in relation to others. It Celtic saints, is probably unique
as a special case. would be wrong to uphold one set in the whole European Christian
of duties while trampling on the tradition.
DEVELOPMENT AND other. (CV, n. 51)
ENVIRONMENT RESPECT FOR CREATION IN IRISH
Ireland has a proud record ST FRANCIS OF ASSISI CHRISTIAN TRADITION
of missionaries as well as A model and source of inspiration Celtic saints such as Patrick,
development personnel working for many in their Christian vocation Bridget, Ciarán, Gobnait, Kevin, Imy,
to alleviate poverty in many towards the environment is St Columba and Colomban were very
countries across the world. We Francis of Assisi. In 1979, St John sensitive to the presence of God
realise that sometimes, in the Paul II proclaimed St Francis of Assisi in creation. Many legends grew up
past, development was promoted the patron saint of ecology. Three around Colomban, especially at the
without taking due account of years later, on 28 March 1982, World monastery in Luxeuil in eastern
its impact on the environment. Ecology Day, John Paul II wrote that France. Squirrels and doves were
Concern for development and St Francis ought to be an example pictured playing in the folds of his
environmental protection must for Catholics today, ‘not to behave cowl. Birds also approached him and
go hand-in-hand. The focus that like dissident predators where nestled in the palms of his hands.
Trócaire, the Irish Catholic Agency nature is concerned, but to assume Even wild beasts were said to have
for World Development and many responsibility for it, taking all care obeyed his commands. In his sermon
Irish missionary communities have so that everything stays healthy ‘Concerning the Faith’ he wrote, ‘If
placed on climate change in recent and integrated, so as to offer a you wish to understand the Creator,
years will continue into the future welcoming and friendly environment learn about his creatures.’
as a vital part of the Irish Christian even to those who succeed us’. In the Celtic tradition, creation
contribution to integral human Francis did not look at the natural itself and each creature, however
development. world from a utilitarian perspective. small, testfies to God as the source
As Pope Benedict XVI points out, He did not see it as merely providing of all life. This was also a dominant
the road to authentic and integral food, clothing and shelter for theme in the life of another great
human development implies a humans. Rather, his response to the Celtic and Franciscan theologian,
concern for the overall moral tenor gift of creation was joy, wonder, Blessed John Duns Scotus. In 2008,
of society: praise and gratitude. One of the we celebrated the 700th anniversary
great legacies of Francis is that he of his death in ad 1308. For Scotus,
The book of nature is one and expanded the concept of ‘neighbour’ the universe was so wondrous as to
indivisible: it takes in not only to include not only the human race, be compared to a beautiful canticle,
the environment but also life, but the whole of creation and its a symphony of joy and harmony.
sexuality, marriage, the family, creatures.
social relations: in a word, integral In his ‘Canticle of the Creatures’,
human development. Our duties Francis shows a kinship with and
towards the environment are deep insight into the heart of all
26 · The Cry of the EarthI arise today: Christ in the heart of
in vast might, invocation every person, who may
of the Trinity, think of me!
belief in a Threeness Christ in the mouth of
confession of Oneness everyone, who may
meeting in the Creator. speak to me!
Christ in every eye, which
I arise today: may look on me!
might of Heaven Christ in every ear, which
brightness of Sun may hear me!
whiteness of Snow
splendour of Fire I arise today:
speed of Light in vast might, invocation
swiftness of Wind of the Trinity
depth of Sea belief in a Threeness
stability of Earth confession of Oneness
firmness of Rock. meeting in the Creator.
Christ with me, From
Christ before me, ‘The Lorica of St Patrick’
Christ behind me,
Christ in me,
Christ under me,
Christ over me,
Christ to right of me,
Christ to left of me,
Christ in lying down,
Christ in sitting,
Christ in rising up,
The Cry of the Earth · 27IS THERE HOPE? us all to a lifestyle which is more work opportunities will present
Is there hope? The Fourth sustainable.’ themselves as we move from a
Assessment of the ipcc, published in Yet in the midst of this crisis there carbon-intensive economy to a low
May 2007, claims there is hope. The is also a wonderful opportunity. It is carbon one. Ireland is ideally situated
report argues that the world has an opportunity to create a more just for researching, developing and
the technology and wealth to act and sustainable world, to develop a implementing alternative sources
decisively to stop global warming. more simple and balanced style of of energy from wind, waves and the
Extreme climate change can be life. In short, it is an opportunity to tidal movement of the sea.
avoided, but it is clear that if we are become more Christ-like, especially Responding to climate change
to act prudently, in the interests in our attitude to the poor and to the will also provide opportunities for
of future generations, serious goods of this earth. working with other Christians and
and concerted action involving Catholics can rejoice in the people of other faiths as we confront
governments, businesses, scientists, fact that the Holy See is taking together a problem that will affect
theologians, inventors and all sectors a leadership role in promoting everyone, especially the poor.
of civil society must begin now. environmental awareness. Every However, time is running out.
It is clear from the Fourth Catholic institution, diocese, parish We need to act now for ourselves,
Assessment report of the ipcc that and school should follow this good for future generations and for the
we are at a critical moment in the example by measuring their current integrity of God’s creation. We ‘must
history of our planet. The potential carbon footprint over coming defend not only earth, water and
implications of climate change are months and then devising ways of air as gifts of creation that belong
such that it can be aptly described reducing their use of carbon by a to everyone. [We] must above
as a crisis. If this generation fails specific amount per annum. all protect mankind from self-
to tackle climate change, then it is The challenges posed by destruction’ (CV, n. 51).
unlikely that any future generation environmental sustainability
will be able to undo the damage. and climate change also provide
Every human being and every an opportunity to build a more
creature in successive generations peaceful, just and sustainable
will suffer. As Cardinal Seán Brady human society while, at the same
said in his Christmas message for time, protecting crucial ecosystems
2007: ‘Then there is the challenge of across the globe. It opens up the
global warming and climate change. possibilities for bringing forth a
The future of children born in new civilisation of love, based on
Bethlehem, Belfast, Dublin or Dubai solidarity, where the needs of others,
this day is by no means certain especially the poor, are met and
unless we alter our behaviour humanity develops a new love and
towards the environment as a respect for the earth and all the
matter of urgency. The simplicity peoples of the earth.
of the stable into which the Son If this happens, many of the
of God was born should challenge changes will be positive. New
28 · The Cry of the EarthGod, our Creator,
You have given us
the earth,
and the sky and the seas.
Show us the way
to care for the earth,
not just for today
but for ages to come.
Let no plan or work
of ours damage
or destroy
the beauty
of your creation.
Send forth your spirit
to direct us,
to care for the earth
and all creation.
Amen.
The Cry of the Earth · 29Proclaiming this Message in
Parishes
The primary objective of this of the world’s poorest people
pastoral letter is to reconnect (www.trocaire.org).
us with our responsibilities as ttForm a study group who,
stewards of the earth, entrusted to together, might pray and study
us by our Creator. It is not enough resources such as this Cry of
to assume that climate justice is the Earth pastoral letter, the
a matter for hierarchy or leaders parish pastoral programme
alone. Instead, each parish and that supports it, as well as Pope
community of believers must own Francis’ new encyclical.
this injustice and play our part ttGather a group of like-minded
in prayer, solidarity and action people and set up a social justice
towards a solution for the common group in your parish that would
good. focus from time to time on
There are a number of ways environmental/ecological issues.
in which we can integrate an ttSet up a social justice group in
environmental message into our your diocese.
parish, rituals and daily communal ttSuggest that your local parish
and personal lives. These might pastoral council should have
include setting up a group in the an environmental officer as
parish to study the bishops’ pastoral a permanent role on their
reflection. committee.
The following resources may be ttHold a parish Novena/Mission
helpful: during September/October
focused upon the theme of
ttTrócaire has produced a ‘Creation & Climate Justice’.
pastoral resource to accompany ttRe-think how your parish might
this pastoral letter. For more celebrate the theme of ‘harvest’
information please see Trócaire’s (include the voice of farmers and
website for more stories and people overseas as an example,
information on how climate and consider how climate change
change is already affecting some is affecting their lives).
30 · The Cry of the EarthYou can also read
