Global Concerns 2

1. human beings should take care not destroy things made by God
2. Some Christians argue that natural things have goodness because God said so
3. Some Christians believe that humans should use food, natural resources, medicines and natural beauty responsibly

1. Stewardship: Belief that believers have a duty to look after the environment on behalf of God
2. love neighbours of the future
3. share natural resources fairly
4. use resources sustainably
5. campaign to protect the environment

1. God is interested in the whole world not just humanity

1. Levels have increased since the industrial revolution
2. Contributes to climate change

1. by 2030 80% of tropical forests will be lost
2. Forests remove CO2 without them greenhouse gas increases
3. plants and wildlife are being destroyed
4. soil erosion and landslides

1. Destruction of grassland and forests, over-exploitation of oceans, extinction of species

1. Increase in greenhouse gases caused by burning of fossil fuels, production chemical gases, destruction of natural habitats
   1. Raises global temperature, drives climate change

1. It would take Earth more than 1000 years to recover

1. Crop yields reduced, Deaths due to hotter days, Lack of appropriate housing, water shortages, flood, wild fires, poorer countries will suffer

1. Recycle and reduce
2. Insulation
3. Safe water
4. Turn off appliances
   1. Use energy efficient light bulbs

1. Walk, cycle, only use planes when necessary
2. Buy local food

1. Stern report 2006
   1. widely known and discussed
2. UK government policies
   1. Working to reduce carbon emissions
      1. Renewable and nuclear power
      2. Loft and cavity wall insulation
      3. Greener car fuels
      4. energy conservation and recycling

1. 1992 The Earth Summit, Rio de Janeiro
   1. Rethink economic development
2. 1997 Kyoto Protocol
   1. Aims to reduce greenhouse gases by 5%
3. EU 2020 Targets
   1. Target= 20% of energy from renewable sources by 2020
4. Christian attitudes
   1. "Green" Christian organisations

1. Healthy ecosystems, sustainable, responsible consumption

1. Some believe end of the World is coming

Nota:

• See page 109 for more information

1. Food
2. Water
3. Education
4. Health
5. Work

Nota:

• Look at page 111 for more information

1. ill health, less work, less food, hunger

1. Christian Aid, Cafod, Trocaire, Tearfund

1. Poor being exploited
2. Fairtrade

   Nota:

   • See page 113 for more information

1. In school, churches, community groups to encourage fund raising
   1. defend rights of poor and marginalised

1. Respond very quickly to disasters

1. Long term changes to communities, empowers people to support themselves