Networking to Care for Earth
In efforts to Care for Earth, the following are shared with the intent of growing spiritually and educationally. Our Christian call impels us to educate others and work for systemic change on behalf of Earth. In addition to the sharing and viewing these resources and working to collaborate with others, individuals are invited to share other pertinent resources with each other. The websites and resources listed below offer but a glimpse. Absent from this list are the many ways the Ministry Fund networks with groups that nurture Earth.
Coalitions and Resources that enable the education of ourselves and others on Care of Earth
Appalachian Voices
Blessed Unrest
Catholic Coalition on Climate Change
Community Farm Alliance
Down to Earth Magazine
Earth Justice
Environmental Defense Fund
Genesis Farm
GMO Health Risks Brochure
Green America
Greenpeace India
Greenpeace USA
Interfaith Power and Light
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
International Planning Committee for Food Sovereignty
Loretto Earth Network
National Catholic Rural Life Conference
Kentucky Resources Council
New Pioneers for a Sustainable Future
Non-GMO Shopping Guide
Pachamama Alliance
Passionist Earth and Spirit Center
St.Francis Pledge
Story of Stuff, Story of Electronics, Story of Bottled Water, Story of Cosmetics, and a few others
Tarumitra
Union of Concerned Scientists
UN Water
UN Decade on Water
The Universe Story Book
Western Organization of Resource Councils
SCN Media Center Resources
Flow: For Love of Water (DVD)
FLOW: How Did Corp. Steal Our Water? (DVD)
Food, Inc. (DVD)
Inconvenient Truth A Global Warning (DVD)
Kilowatt Ours (DVD)
Mountaintop Removal Road Show, The (DVD)
Thirst (DVD)
Water for Life (DVD)
Water: Threatened Gift of Life: Workshop at Nazareth (DVD)
The World According to Monsanto (DVD)
Global Spirituality -VHS (Thomas Berry)
Hidden Heart of the Cosmos -VHS (Brian Swimme)
Thomas Berry: The Great Story -VHS
To Save the Land and People -VHS
Universe Drama In Three Acts -VHS (Rosemary Ruether)
Water: Sacred and Profaned -VHS
Reflection/Action:
- What other networks, coalitions and resources would I add to this list? Share with the SCN Office of Global Ministries
- How are the networks I am part of with regard to care of Earth educating me and making changes for the better of Earth?
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Rio+20 Conference in 2012
In the July Action Alert, reflection began in preparation for the Rio+20 Conference or Conference on Sustainable Development to be held June 4-6, 2012 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The conference will focus on: A green economy in the context of sustainable development and poverty eradication AND the international structures to promote sustainable development.
Last month, individuals examined the interconnectedness of environment, economy and society. Individuals were challenged to view both the economy and society through the lens of the planetary ecological system. With this “new perspective,” the call to examine individual and communal sustainability was put forth.
What is meant by the term “green economy?” Although there is no universal definition, individuals are beginning to put forth their ideas. Jose Antonio Ocampo of Columbia University puts forth some concepts in The Transition to a Green Economy: Benefits, Challenges and Risks from a Sustainable Development Perspective. Additionally, Uchita de Zoysa puts forth views in Women of South Asia and the Green Economy. As groups gather regionally, diverse visions will come forth with regard to defining the green economy and naming guiding principles for the existence of a green economy.
Some examples in the consideration of principles for a green economy include:
- How does the green economy encompass the three pillars of economy, society and environment?
- What are the short-term and long-term implications in being sustainable? In reducing poverty?
- How do the green economy principles challenge habits of consumption and production?
- How are finances, technology, and appropriate and fair reforms to global structures shared between all countries?
- What principles did your discussion include in the green economy?
- How do local discussions on green economy focus on a triple win for the economy, society and environment that make a sustainable planet?
- Who benefits in your discussion of the green economy?
The Principle ‘one size fits all’ does not apply when considering a green economy. Discuss the principles you deem necessary to a green economy.
- Who does it favor?
- Who stands to gain?
- Who decides and who has the power?
- What communities suffer the most?
- What is the basis for inclusion/exclusion?
- What values are evidenced?
- Critique your countries' definition of a green economy and what principles are present? How does it demonstrate a triple win for the environment, society, and the economy in bringing forth a sustainable society?
- Write to your countries' representative who will be attending Rio+20 and your Environment Minister/Leader to suggest your hopes for Rio+20. Content ideas include overcoming poverty, re-establishing balance within the Earth system and the political will necessary to transform the world’s value systems.
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Is Your Mayor for Peace?
This year, August 6thand 9thmark the 66th Anniversary of the U.S. atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Within the past year, we have seen the devastation of Fukishima and the toxicity of living in a nuclear age. This devastation has caused more people around the world to reflect and question the use of nuclear reactors and nuclear weapons. According to United for Peace and Justice website, “governments possessing nuclear weapons include the United States and Russia – which together hold 95% of the world’s nuclear arsenal, and France, Britain, China, India, Pakistan, North Korea and Israel.” The reduction of these weapons is not seen in the U.S. as the “FY 2012 budget includes $7.6 billion for programs related to nuclear warheads – an 8.9% increase over the President’s FY 2011 request.” Nuclear reactors and weapons pose a danger to life on Earth and are man-made which means that the danger can be controlled. Working to recommit ourselves to our corporate statement in opposition to nuclear proliferation, let us join the Mayors for peace in working to eliminate global nuclear weapons by 2020.
Reflection and Action:
- How aware am I of the public pulse with regard to nuclear weapons and nuclear reactors?
- Within my country, what environmental contamination exists as a result of nuclear weapons and nuclear energy?
- What International treaties exist for working to reduce the production and quantity of nuclear weapons and how successful are these?
- When is the last time I read the SCN Statement on Nuclear Disarmament published in 1981?
- What actions have I taken recently to challenge those who do not think as I do on this issue?
- What action(s) will I take this month to promote peace?
- Resources for education of self and others including books, web guides, films and much more are located here
- U.S. citizens are invited to urge their mayors to work for peace and sign a statement of commitment located here
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Hunger in the Horn of Africa
One of the worst droughts in about 60 years is being suffered by at least 10 million people in the Horn of Africa in need of humanitarian assistance. Fall 2010 rains failed to appear and the spring 2011 rains were erratic and lacking leaving many without two growing seasons of harvest. Lack of rain for proper growing seasons, conflict and rising food prices in the region are creating food insecurity for the people of the region. More can be read about the systems that are agitating this crisis and the response of the international community here.
Reflection and Action:
- Continue to read and reflect on the situation in Africa through the lens of Catholic Social Teaching.
- Study and question the many systems contributing to this crisis.
- Pray with our sisters and brothers in Africa suffering from hunger with the prayer below.
- Donate to the East Africa Emergency Fund or call 877-Help-CRS (877-435-7277). Mail donations to: Catholic Relief Services, Attn: East Africa Emergency Fund, P.O. Box 17090, Baltimore, MD 21203-7090.
As witnesses to the drought in East Africa, continue to provide your people with hearts of service, compassion and solidarity. Console our sisters and brothers living with uncertainty and the scarcity of food. Guide our leaders that they might work together to offer solutions to the needs of the people in East Africa.
May your grace remind us that you are the source of justice; your mastery over all things makes you lenient to all. Continue to gather us in your name so as your children we embrace our sisters and brothers as we respond to your call. You call us your people. You taught us to be just and you gave us good ground for hope.
Compassionate One, help us to respond to the needs of our brothers and sisters in the coming weeks. Mold us in your will so that our brothers and sisters will see you reflected in our response. We ask this through your son Jesus Christ who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever. Amen.
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