Christians have “an obligation” to help reduce the effects of climate change because concern for the environment transcends race, gender, politics and religion, says the Catholic Standard.

In its October 2 editorial titled “Christians and climate change”, the weekly newspaper of the Catholic Church in Guyana cited reports of centuries-old glaciers melting in the Bolivian Andes. The melt waters are endangering crops planted by farmers. It also cited the absence of seasonal rains affecting the livelihoods of farmers in certain African states. Global warming is believed to be the cause in both cases, based on scientific evidence.

“If the way some people choose to live harms others, then as followers of Christ it is our duty to do all that we can to decrease and eventually curtail this harm. To do otherwise would mean that we are not following the instruction of Christ to love one's neighbour as oneself.”

The editorial added that the Catechism of the Catholic Church reminds Catholics to respect the integrity of creation. “It says, ‘the use of mineral, vegetable and animal resources of the universe cannot be divorced from respect for the moral imperatives. Man's dominion over inanimate and other living beings granted by the creator is not absolute ; it is limited by concern for the quality of life of his neighbour, including generations to come; it requires a religious respect for the integrity of creation.’”

The Standard said while Guyana's Low Carbon Development Strategy was still in draft form “as Christians we can still support its general thrust in our personal lives, households, churches, communities and businesses.”

Christians must call on government representatives to support “prudent, cost effective measures” and help “neighbours in need to adjust to the climate changes already occurring”.

The editorial called for support for energy conservation and the reduction of personal consumption of fossil fuels, and to “support efforts by government and businesses to do the same”.

“We must also pray that God will help all of us become aware of and address this problem, especially our leaders”, the editorial concluded.