Try as the climate sceptics might, the evidence for human-enhanced climate change is irrefutable. Three reports this year from the UN’s IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) tell the story. The work is credible as it involved 2,500 scientists, subject to peer review, and was open to public scrutiny. While the detail of the reports is immense, the message is simple — reverse human-induced climate change or bear the consequences.
What must the Church do to help people respond to climate change? Cardinal Martino, as President of Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, hosted a seminar on Climate Change and Development last April. Climate sceptics were invited as well as church leaders who want to build a community based pastoral response to climate change. The seminar carries lessons for the Australian church.
The first task of the church is to expose science sceptics. Archbishop Pat Kelly of Liverpool reminded Italian scientist Professor Zuchichi that there is little place for science that is removed from the real lives of people. A rational, equitable and moral response to climate change means using available carbon-reducing technology as outlined by the IPCC.
Some vested interests have to be exposed as a block to effective climate responses. Their PR people sow the confusion that leads to paralysis and push misleading positions: make developing nations rich so they can adapt to climate change; technology will solve agricultural problems in development nations; the increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide is good and willed by God.
Sadly, vested interests often play on the good will of ordinary people. Under the banner of concern for the poor they argue against carbon taxes. At the Rome seminar they ignored the testimony of people like Ms Sharon Looremet of 'Practical Action Kenya' and Archbishop Paul Ruzoka of Tanzania. While connecting poverty and climate problems, these two speakers rejected imposing western models of agriculture which had helped cause problems.
David Miliband, Minister for the Environment in the UK government speaking at the seminar, asked the churches to add a moral and ethical tone to the climate debate. He called for an 'Environmental Contract' similar to a 'Social Contract' and praised Pope Benedict for buying the first bond in the UK’s carbon trading scheme.
The insights of Kubler-Ross on responses to health trauma also apply to the psychology of climate change. 'De-nial' is not a river in Africa. At the seminar some blamed countries such as China for increasing climate gas emissions