Revision notes for RS ethics - GLOBAL CONVERNS

GLOBAL CONCERNS

Value of God's creation

• Things created by God have value because the maker is God
• God said that the world was good and we should take care not to damage or destroy things made by him
• Natural world created for human beings to use responsibly. Food, natural resources, and medicines are all things that enhance and enrich human lives

Many Christians believe that that they should be stewards of the earth as they have a responsibility to look after and care form the environment.

BEING A GOOD STEWARD MIGHT INVOLVE: 

• Preserving the environment for future generations
• Sharing natural resources out fairly
• Using resources sustainably
• Joining campaigns to protect the environment 

ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS

• Pollution
• Destruction of natural habitats
• The abuse of natural resources
• Climate change

The world only has a limited supply of natural resources and they are being drained very quickly because of our way of life and the increasing population.

EFFECTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE TO HUMAN LIFE

• Crop yields will be reduced
• Death among the elderly and sick due to hotter days
• Those without appropriate housing will have a reduction in their quality of life
• Water shortages, more flooding, more wildfires
• Poorer countries hit harder and earlier to the effects of climate change

INDIVIDUAL AND COMMUNITY RESPONSES

INDIVIDUAL

• Recycling
• Stop using plastic bags
• Avoid buying products with unnecessary packaging 
• Loft instillation
• Turn off taps
• Don't use stand-by
• Use energy efficient light bulbs

COMMUNITY

• Use non polluting forms of transport
• Buy locally (reduces transport emissions)

NATIONAL

• Finding non carbon alternatives to generate electricity
• Supporting the development of new, greener fuels
• Encouraging energy conservation and recycling

INTERNATIONAL

• EARTH SUMMITS: meetings of international leaders aimed at reaching an agreement that will reduce environmental pollution and climate change

CHRISTIAN ATTITUDES

Christian leaders support the messages coming from the earth summits and encourage ordinary people to respond. I.e. Pope Benedict had solar panel put on the Vatican

Many Christians have become involved in 'green organisations' which work to improve the environmental situation.

CHRISTIAN RESPONSES

many believe they should live simply and not waste fully. Natural resources should not be wasted because they are part of Gods creation and are there for everyone.

Some evangelical Christians see the coming environmental catastrophe as part of Gods palm

Other Christians see the environmental problems as God's punishment of humanity for sin.