Framework of the Study This study is anchored on Laudato Si’: On Care for Our Common Home by Pope Francis. Laudato Si': On Care for Our Common Home is an encyclical letter that serves as a means to call the attention of every person in the planet to take part in saving the earth from total destruction (Kureethadam, 2016) (Lyon & Ph, 2015) (Gaudelli, 2017). Pope Francis acknowledges the importance of education in the effort to reverse environmental and social deterioration (Brancatelli, 2016). Laudato Si’: On Care for Our Common Home has six (6) chapters, each is focusing on different topics. In Chapter One, Pope Francis provides a complete and absolute assessment of the present state of the environment, in Chapter two, our Holy Father says …show more content…
Sivramkrishna). Dumping solid wastes in landfills is a common practice in developing countries. However, this dumping of wastes posts a serious problem to the environment and health. Wastes covered by land may contaminate the ground water. Chemicals from wastes compounded to drinking waters can attack the human systems which may cause poisoning (Cabatingan, Analyn & Dela Cruz, Cerlita, 2014). Similar to other Southeast Asian countries, environmental education in the Philippines has been incorporated into curriculum as part of other subjects such as science, social studies, geography, civics, and moral education, rather than a distinctly separate subject (Anthony, Reyes, & Reyes, 2015). Integration of environmental education in the curriculum of all school levels encourages excessive influence in the knowledge, skills and attitude of students towards environmental protection (Raman, 2016). Environmental awareness is necessary to solve environmental problems that we are facing at present. But, this awareness will be much effective if we put it into practice (Cruz, 2016). The Philippines is one of the signatories to the historic Agenda 21 and was the first country to establish a National Council for Sustainable
“The modern form of the word environment comes from an older word that we hardly use anymore: environ, to surround, to form a ring around, to encircle” (Stoll 3). The meaning of the word environment did not become a major factor in the lives of humanity until 1945. The tragic events that led to the end of World War II sparked a chief movement in history: American Environmentalism. Global decision-making changed as well as human unity due to the mere purpose that fate of all people and the environment became intertwined (Stoll 1). I will further discuss the dramatic attempts made by some Americans to bring the importance of preserving our environment to the surface to show if and how we have evolved.
Pope Francis, the 266th pope, spreads his kindness throughout the world through his humility and approachability. He travels the world, supporting the poor and unfortunate. Pope Francis has served as both archbishop and cardinal for more than 12 years. This definitely shows his dedication to follow God's teachings and spread it everywhere he can.
As the head of the Catholic Church, it is expected of a Pope to make grand declarations about social justice and issues that concern the Church . His apostolic decrees call for christians everywhere to uphold workers rights and to provide a living wage to everyone. However, Pope Francis is the first pope who has spoken specifically on how to bring about true equality . He has made specific statements about politics and the economy that no pope has done before. His position against capitalism is starkly opposed to what we have learned in our Economics course. He has a great concern about inequality, greed and wantonness of ethics. Pope Francis’s views on the current culture are clearly evident in his Evangelii Gaudium.
Overall, Pope Francis places extreme concern on four areas, which are the idolatry of money, the option of the poor, inequality, and the common good/peace. Before reading Pope Francis’s book, I had a general familiarity with inequality and the option for the poor, but I was not completely aware of the idolatry of money in today’s society or peace in a Christian perspective. In Chapter 2, he starts talking about how we have found new idols in today’s society and how our relationship with money has taken control over not only our society, but also ourselves (Pope Francis, 55). Also, Pope Francis discusses how we as Christians need to realize that we are not exempt from concern for the poor and for social justice because it is required of everyone (Pope Francis, 201). In addition, he also talks about the vulnerability of certain groups and the progress of building people in peace, justice, and fraternity, which I will discuss in subsequent paragraphs. Prior to reading this book, I was aware of Pope Francis and some of his beliefs to an extent. I am Catholic, so I remember when he was first inaugurated as Pope and I remember hearing my family discuss some of his beliefs, but I was only somewhat aware of his style as a Christian leader. As a Christian leader, Pope Francis places emphasis on four areas of concern, which include: the new idolatry of money, option for the poor, inequality, and common good/peace.
For my outside enrichment I decided to watch the message Pope Francis delivered to the United States Congress. In his memorable speech, Pope Francis speaks powerfully about topics ranging from the refugee crisis, the death penalty, and the arms trade. In our society, we are thought to treat religion and politics as two completely separate entities, but Pope Francis overcomes that nonsensible topic and exemplifies politics as source of unification, similar to the purpose of religion. One topic that he mentioned was the refugee crisis in the wake of radical extremism. Should America accept Syrian and Iraqi refugees? Pope Francis makes it clear that not all these refugees are members of Islamic extremism, and that the US should listen to their
Harmful emissions from the landfills escape into the air we breathe. The soil and water are also contaminated from our
Wojtyla, Karol. "On Social Concern." Catholic Social Teaching. Office For Social Justice. 1 Nov. 2004 www.osjspm.org/cst/srs.htm
Economic hardship around the world causes untold suffering and isolation. He talked about the fair and proper "distribution of wealth.” (Pope Francis) as well as the appropriate use of natural resources. He told Congress that he appreciates the importance of business as a way to create wealth and improve the world but he stresses the need to always consider the common good. which must include the earth. For example, I point to the irreversible damage that has been done to the planet by businesses who sought to grow the economy and provide jobs and products as well as great wealth. Here in Connecticut there are sites which are forever unfit for human habitation due to chemical pollution. Specifically I can mention RayBestos in Stratford and Sponge Rubber in
The majority of this piece is dedicated to the author stating his opinion in regards to civilization expanding beyond its sustainable limits. The author makes it clear that he believes that humans have failed the natural environment and are in the process of eliminating all traces of wilderness from the planet. Nash points out facts that strengthen his argument, and quotes famous theologians on their similar views on environmental issues and policies. The combination of these facts and quotes validates the author’s opinion.
I strongly agree with Pope Francis that if we teach younger generations not to be wasteful and show them how to be resourceful, then it won’t be such a struggle in the future. "Education in environmental responsibility can encourage ways of acting which directly and significantly affect the world around us, such as avoiding the use of plastic and paper, reducing water consumption, separating refuse, cooking only what can reasonably be consumed, showing care for other living beings, using public transport or car-pooling, planting trees, turning off unnecessary lights, or any number of other practices.” (211). There are so many new ways to help reduce our use of natural resources that if from a young age we are taught these methods then we could help save our planet. “All of these reflect a generous and worthy creativity which brings out the best in human beings. Reusing something instead of immediately discarding it, when done for the right reasons, can be an act of love which expresses our own dignity.” (211). Again, I agree with the Pope that recycling and reusing makes you feel good because you are making an active contribution to reduce climate
For quite some time, life on earth has been nothing but peaches and cream for several people and because of people who live a non-sustainable life, it has left others with an indistinct outlook on earth’s future. Sustainability to me is doing things that will help prevent harmful things from happening to the environment now and in the future. With the support of the sustainability and more quality ways of living, the Earth Charter is gradually introduced. Through key research I will explain what the Earth Charter is and why it was founded, describe one of its four parts along with the goals and overarching philosophy, and share the impact it has on my life now and in the future.
Evidently there have been significant impacts on different sectors of the Philippines and its citizens. Unfortunately these impacts will only increase if action is not taken soon. Therefore, now more than ever, it is crucial to develop sensible strategies on the mitigation of climate change in the Philippines.
...wledge that current human activities are destroying the earth. Humans taking responsibility toward sustainability is urgent because much of the injury inflicted on earth is irreversible. Drastic, comprehensive changes in all levels of society have to be made before long because the effects of environmental damage are permanent.
Anthropocentrism is the school of thought that human beings are the single most significant entity in the universe. As a result, the philosophies of those with this belief reflect the prioritization of human objectives over the well-being of one’s environment. However, this is not to say that anthropocentric views neglect to recognize the importance of preserving the Earth. In fact, it is often in the best interests of humans to make concerted efforts towards sustaining the environment. Even from a purely anthropocentric point of view, there are three main reasons why mankind has a moral duty to protect the natural world.
Environmental pollution has always remained a serious problem in society today. Our planet is often being polluted by many toxins that are not only deadly to us, but our wildlife too. Environmental pollution leads to air pollution, environmental crisis, and global warming. Now there are many different ways that can help these topics be preventable. People need to understand what environmental sustainability truly is. Learning environmental sustainability will give people the tools and knowledge to help sustain our planet before it is too late. Planet earth is our home and people need to understand the damage being done to it. Understanding these important key factors will lead our planet to become healthier and a better place for life to live.