Retrieved from https://studentshare.org/religion-and-theology/1691585-world-council-of-churches
https://studentshare.org/religion-and-theology/1691585-world-council-of-churches.
World council of churches Environmental management is a collective responsibility. Therefore, it incorporates the close working of different stakeholders including, faith-based organizations, non-governmental organizations, governments, individuals, and corporations. The issue of environmental degradation also requires the precise allocation of roles among the actors to ensure sustainability. In this line, the guest speakers from the world council of churches discussed pertinent issues relating to the environment.
The thematic areas of their presentations comprised of carbon dioxide emission, climate change, Rio Convention and the Kyoto Protocol. In addition, the speakers discussed the role of faith organizations in the in the care for nature, human rights and ethical decision-making in climate change debates. The quantity of carbon dioxide gas into the atmosphere is increasing. The increase is attributed to the increased emissions of the gas from automobiles and burning of fossil fuels. Notably, the rise of middle-class population and the increased number of people who own cars has significantly increased emission rates.
The Industrial emissions increase the level of carbon into the air.Increased quantity of carbon dioxide facilitates climate change. The alterations of climatic conditions present various challenges to the human populations. Main consequences include health challenges such as increased prevalence of malaria, respiratory problems, and cancer incidences. Besides, the occurrence of extreme climatic conditions adversely agricultural activities causes displacement of persons and promotes the spread of diseases.
Currently, climate refugees are a common challenge in most parts of the world. In line with the climate changes, the United Nations has facilitated conventions and treaties to address the concerns. Notable include the Convention on diversification, the Convention on climate changes and Convention on Biodiversity. As per the provisions, each state should domesticate the conventions and collaborate with the relevant stakeholders to ensure harmony and their implementation. Therefore, the faith-based organizations also have the roles of educating congregations to conserve the environment alongside participating in implementations of the treaties.
Accord and collaboration are essential to the success of environmental programs. In this regards, faith-based organizations should strengthen their relationships with the civil service organizations. Partnerships among such organizations minimize duplication of interventions and promote efficiency in the management of environmental projects. The facilitators underscored importance of Kyoto Protocol. The agreement made in 1997 guide’s Nations on the implementation of changes especially in regards to the environment, development, and emissions.
It offers specifications for the permissible emissions level for every state depending on their level of development. Kyoto Protocol also binds nations to abide by the regulations and requires the industrialized countries to reduce their emissions. Besides, the Kyoto Protocol advocates for compensations for eradicating climate change issues. Given the changing nature of environmental challenges, the guests explained that the delegates would meet in Paris in December to deliberate on a new agreement.
The agreement is inclusive, Kyrgyzstan ratified the agreement on 19 June 2009, and it came into force on 17 October 2009 (United Nations). Apart from providing spiritual guidance, scriptures also encourage care for God’s creation. It is a common teaching across various denominations including Christianity, Islam, and Judaism. The instructions also address climate change and ask for ethical decision-making, a fair political system, justice, and cultural harmony. The factors help in ensuring a safe and sustainable environment.
Finally, the workshop reflected on the issue of human rights and the role of churches in providing food security, access to water and shelter. In conclusion, it was an interactive and educative session. Work Cited"Status of Ratification of the Kyoto Protocol," n.d. United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. 26 April 2015 .
Read More