'Climate change affects the poor and women', says Cardinal Gracias of Mumbai, India 
"Women, the poor and the vulnerable are the first victims of climate change. We are administrators and we are not masters of creation. We have a moral obligation to protect and preserve it", Cardinal Oswald Gracias, Archbishop of Bombay and President of the Federation of Asian Bishops' Conferences (FABC) told Fides, the Information Service of the Pontifical Mission Society.
He was speaking at a conference on climate change organized by the FABC that was titled, 'Climate change: the impact on vulnerable groups and from a women's perspective'. The conference was attended by 45 delegates and experts from groups dealing with climate change in Bangladesh, Nepal and India.
The conference was intended to make a contribution through reflection and understanding of the phenomenon of climate change and its impact on the most vulnerable groups.
"The developed world remains the main cause of greenhouse gas emissions that have contributed to global warming. At the same time, developing countries and emerging economies (including South Asia) continue to contribute to greenhouse gas emissions because of their pressing development needs", explained Bishop Allwyn D'Silva, Executive Secretary of the Human Development Office in the FABC.
"It is urgent that all nations understand that climate is a common good that belongs to everyone and is for everyone.
The entire human race is called to acknowledge the need for changes in lifestyle, production and consumption to combat this warming or at least the human causes that aggravate it", said Deepika Singh, Office Coordinator for Climate Change in the FABC.
The fundamental task of the Church in Asia is to "call all the baptized, and every person to radical conversion, to abandon excessive consumption and to choose a more sustainable way of life, for a renewed culture of respect for creation, of simplicity and sobriety, hope and joy", added Bishop Jacob Mar Barnabas. He went on to say,"guided by the social teachings of the Church, Catholic communities must promote green technologies, organic and sustainable agricultural production, responsible consumption, recycling, thus contributing to intergenerational justice".
“To take action against climate change a sense of solidarity and a basic orientation to the common good are urgent and this can be achieved through a continuous education process of reflection-action", said Wendy Louis, Executive Secretary of FABC Office for the laity and the family.
For this reason the Asian Bishops will continue to operate in this field, at a reflection and action level.
Agenzia Fides - Mumbai, January 30, 2017
Mission Intention for March
That persecuted Christians may be supported by the prayers and material help of the whole Church.
Read more from The Far East, March 2017