Our patron, St. Francis of Assisi possessed a special joy and care for all creation. His Canticle praises the Lord for the gifts of Sister Earth and Brothers Wind and Air. It's fitting to again assess our own care for creation as we approach St. Francis' October 4th feast day.
Catholic social teaching's mandate to care for creation demands vigilance and thoughtful consideration. There are few activities in daily life that don't somehow impact God's environmental creation. However, the environment God entrusts to our care is becoming warmer each day:
- For 2010, Earth's global temperature registered the warmest January-July period on record.
- January 2000 to December 2009 was the warmest decade on record. Six of the warmest years on record were recorded during the decade.
- Increasing global temperatures are matched by increasing levels of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases in our atmosphere. These increases are the result of human activity.
Our environment's response to rising temperatures and greenhouse gas levels will affect all of creation, humanity included. Public health will be increasingly affected by heat waves, storms, fresh water shortages and increases in both allergies and asthma. Critically, global warming is expected to slow or entirely offset progress toward clean air targets.
Beyond climate and health concerns, global warming is expected to increase patterns of hunger and depletion. The annual glacier melt is essential for food production in Asia's Indus and Brahmaputra river basins. Normally, springtime snow melt would be replenished the following winter, ensuring the ongoing availability of fresh water. Global warming however increases the rate of glacier melt beyond the level of winter replenishment. The glaciers are disappearing. The potential disappearance of the glaciers threatens the food security of an estimated 60 million people in this area alone.
Increasing temperatures, heightened health concerns, dwindling food security – is there a common link? Yes – it's the escalating level of greenhouse gases. Next week we'll discuss the significance of the number 350 as we assess our progress in caring for creation.
No comments:
Post a Comment