Hannah Evans
“At all levels, a change of mind-set is needed. It is the same mind-set that is needed to tackle both climate change and world poverty.”(Laudato Si’ 175)
The words of Pope Francis were gratefully received in 2015 when he released his ground-breaking papal encyclical Laudato Si’.
Since Trócaire began the number of natural disasters such as floods, droughts and storms has quadrupled over four decades. Each year on average 26 million people are forced from their homes because of natural disasters. Unfortunately, it is the poorest people in the world who are the most vulnerable and the least able to cope with disasters such as drought, flooding and storms, when they strike. They cannot protect themselves sufficiently during emergencies and their homes, farms and livelihoods are often destroyed. Afterwards they do not have the resources to rebuild and recover.
In the encyclical Laudato Si’, Pope Francis called on everyone across the world, not just Catholics, to stand up and take action on the destruction of the environment and the worsening and unjust impacts of climate change on the world’s poorest people.
There are many ways that parishes and communities can take action by learning more about climate change and taking practical steps in their own lives to reduce their impact on the environment. Taking time to reflect and worship is the first way. For example prayers can be offered during Mass for vulnerable people and communities affected by climate change.
On a practical level, groups and committees could enforce ‘reduce waste’ rules for parish hall events and parties. Email and text could be used more often to reduce paper consumption. Taking small steps that link the impact of our lives on the lives of communities in developing countries is a critical step towards tacking this issue.
Parishes that discover a keen interest within their congregation could hold a talk or workshop on Laudato Si’ and invite a Trócaire speaker. Finally, hosting a ‘Green Tea’ social event using only locally sourced foods and Fairtrade beverages would be a fun way to highlight these important issues.
For more ideas Trócaire’s GLAS resource www.trocaire.org/parish provides a checklist for parishes looking to be eco-aware. The checklist covers a wide range of topics from liturgy to church administration offering tips and suggestions for parishes to become more environmentally conscious.
Hannah Evans is a Church officer with Trócaire, the bishops’ overseas aid agency. Tel: 01 6293333.