Climate change impacts poorer communities most

Climate change trends are now combinedwith increasingly extreme weather systems that have cascading and cumulative impacts - Photo:pixabay.comClimate change trends are now combined with increasingly extreme weather systems that have cascading and cumulative impacts - Photo: pixabay.com

On February 28th, 2022 the second part of the Sixth Assessment Report was issued by the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. It is called ‘Climate Change 2022: Impacts, Adaptation and Vulnerability’ and describes the profound impacts of climate change on low-income countries and communities.   The United Nations climate change reports provide a reality check for the global community to harness timely climate action.  The final part of the Sixth Assessment Report is due for release in September 2022 ahead of the next round of crucial climate talks, due to take place in Egypt from the 7th – 18th November. 

Columban missionaries are committed to strengthening dialogue and collaborative relationships to inspire action for the common good.  Ellen Teague who runs the Media Desk of the Columban missionaries in Britain, reports that Columban Sr Kate Midgley is among others involved in a 24-hour prayer and fasting vigil for climate action outside the Westminster Parliament.  The action hopes to bring together different groups and individuals who care about our common future. 

Climate change trends are now combined with increasingly extreme weather systems that have cascading and cumulative impacts.  There are examples from around the world of intense fire, flood and drought, with one event preceded by another.  These events are taking place at lower levels of global warming than was previously anticipated.  Communities, food sources, places of great spiritual and cultural value, and assets are all deeply impacted.  Professor Will Steffen, a climate change expert at the Australian National University says, “For most Australians, this report is long, technical and at times dry.  But its message is anything but.”  The United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres describes the report as, “an atlas of human suffering and a damning indictment of failed climate leadership.”

Australian Columban Leader and Peace, Ecology and Justice Coordinator, Fr Peter O’Neill is an active member of the Australian Catholic Religious Against Trafficking in Humans (ACRATH).  Fr Peter and other members of ACRATH took part in a three-year battle for justice for 22 men from the Pacific, who were granted payments for exploitation received on farms under the Seasonal Worker Program.  Seasonal workers are often forced to find work away from their homeland due to the compounding effects of poverty.  Seasonal workers who work outdoors for very long hours, face further risks to their lives and livelihoods from exposure to extreme weather as a result of climate change. 

The latest climate report shows that deaths from droughts and storms in the decade from 2010 to 2020, was 15 times greater in countries that are exposed to the most risks.  Based on their experience, Columban missionaries testify to the urgency of the need for greater support for these communities. Experts report that the good news is there is still a short window of opportunity for action, with large scope in many areas, to help ensure a safer and healthier future for all. 

At the recent Faith for Earth Dialogue on-line webinar of the United Nations Environment Programme, speakers highlighted the long-term commitment demonstrated by faith communities to justice and reverence for God’s creation. A member of the panel stated: “spiritually we are living in sacred times,” and that faith communities contribute by communicating an expression of their spirit and care from the heart.  This is a positive stance for action in our times. 

Sr Caroline Vaitkunas RSM, Peace, Ecology and Justice Team member, Columban Mission Centre, Essendon. 

 

 

 

 

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