“Programmes of economic development must carefully consider the need to respect the integrity and the cycles of nature” because natural resources are limited and some are not renewable. The present rhythm of exploitation is seriously compromising the availability of some natural resources for both the present and the future.

Solutions to the ecological problem require that economic activity respect the environment to a greater degree, reconciling the needs of economic development with those of environmental protection. Every economic activity making use of natural resources must also be concerned with safeguarding the environment and should foresee the costs involved, which are “an essential element of the actual cost of economic activity”.

In this context, one considers relations between human activity and climate change which, given their extreme complexity, must be opportunely and constantly monitored at the scientific, political and juridical, national and international levels. The climate is a good that must be protected and reminds consumers and those engaged in industrial activity to develop a greater sense of responsibility for their behaviour.”

Climate change has been holding the world’s attention in recent times. The world economy has had effects on the global climate with serious, but hard to measure, risks for the economy, the environment and human health.

Some examples of things which scientists have warned us about over the last few decades are:
• The world’s coastlines will face increasingly severe storms and floods
• Rising sea levels resulting in salt-water intrusion which will have an effect on the quality and availability of freshwater, worsening the world’s water crisis
• Warmer conditions will damage the earth’s eco-system irreversibly because of damage to forests and wetlands – mammals and birds could become extinct
• Many areas will become unfit for crops or grazing because of shifting agricultural lands and creeping desertification
•  Warmer and wetter conditions may accelerate the spread of new varieties of infectious diseases such as malaria and yellow fever.

What is a particular cause for concern is that these events are likely to affect the poor disproportionately. In many parts of the world they depend on agriculture, forestry and fisheries for their livelihood. Their economies will suffer most from the heightened frequency of drought, floods and storms associated with the climate change.

Climate change policies require strong economic resolve particularly in an environment of energy-security concerns and rising oil prices. There needs to be solid research, sharing of information and dialogue between governments and people to meet these challenges.
At the minimum, global environmental scientists have indicated that there is a need to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases, which means altering how we live and do business. We need to be more efficient in the use of energy and other resources coupled with greater public awareness.

A useful strategy, which must be applauded are recent initiatives to introduce environmental criteria into key measures of corporate performance. The United Nations has sponsored the Principles for Responsible Investment. This seeks to “put a price” on environmental stewardship – or the lack of it, by channelling finance and investment towards companies that display corporate citizenship, including through meaningful action against climate change.

“An economy respectful of the environment will not have the maximisation of profits as its only objective, because environmental protection cannot be assured solely on the basis of financial calculations of costs and benefits.

The environment is one of those goods that cannot be adequately safeguarded or promoted by market forces. Every country, in particular developed countries, must be aware of the urgent obligation to reconsider the way that natural goods are being used.

Seeking innovative ways to reduce the environmental impact of production and consumption of goods should be effectively encouraged.”

Next week we look at the issue of energy. 

Persons interested in purchasing the Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church, can contact the Justice Desk, Archbishop’s House at 622-6680. Also on sale at the Justice Desk are the “Take a Bite” Social Justice Programme on DVD and the Responses to 101 Questions on Catholic Social Teaching.