In the introduction we are warned that peace is threatened by among other issues “a lack of due respect for nature, by the plundering of natural resources“.
Further in this message Pope John Paul II stresses that the ecological crisis has a direct correlation to the moral crisis in society; indeed the ecological crisis reveals the moral character. The particular ecological concerns stressed in this message are:
greenhouse effect
pollution
submersion of low-lying lands (I generally associate this with global warming)
Resolutions stressed include:
education in ecological responsibility
good urban planning
respect for natural contours
We are adjured to acknowledge that the harmonious universe requires respect of order and order is characterized by mutual interdependence; interdependence requires coordination. The entire human community (all catholics) must take seriously the responsibility.
Read the entire message at the Vatican website
The quotes below are specific to the environment and are pulled from his message in the order they appeared(the italicized words are italicized in the original):
“Moreover, a new ecological awareness is beginning to emerge which, rather than being downplayed, ought to be encouraged to develop into concrete programs and initiatives.”
“Many ethical values, fundamental to the development of a peaceful society, are particularly relevant to the ecological question. The fact that many challenges facing the world today are interdependent confirms the need for carefully coordinated solutions based on a morally coherent world view.”
“Certain elements of today's ecological crisis reveal its moral character. First among these is the indiscriminate application of advances in science and technology. Many recent discoveries have brought undeniable benefits to humanity. Indeed, they demonstrate the nobility of the human vocation to participate responsibly in God's creative action in the world. Unfortunately, it is now clear that the application of these discoveries in the fields of industry and agriculture have produced harmful long-term effects. This has led to the painful realization that we cannot interfere in one area of the ecosystem without paying due attention both to the consequences of such interference in other areas and to the well-being of future generations.”
“The gradual depletion of the ozone layer and the related "greenhouse effect" has now reached crisis proportions as a consequence of industrial growth, massive urban concentrations and vastly increased energy needs. Industrial waste, the burning of fossil fuels, unrestricted deforestation, the use of certain types of herbicides, coolants and propellants,: all of these are known to harm the atmosphere and environment. The resulting meteorological and atmospheric changes range from damage to health to the possible future submersion of low-lying lands.
While in some cases the damage already done may well be irreversible, in many other cases it can still be halted. It is necessary, however, that the entire human community—individuals, States and international bodies—take seriously the responsibility that is theirs.”
“ The most profound and serious indication of the moral implications underlying the ecological problem is the lack of respect for life evident in many patterns of environmental pollution.”
“Theology, philosophy, and science all speak of a harmonious universe, of a "cosmos" endowed with its own integrity, its own internal, dynamic balance. This order must be respected.”
An education in ecological responsibility is urgent: responsibility for oneself, for others and for the earth. …. a true education in responsibility entails a genuine conversion in ways of thought and behavior.
Good urban planning is an important part of environmental protection, and respect for the natural contours of the land is an indispensable prerequisite for ecologically sound development. The relationship between a good aesthetic education and the maintenance of a healthy environment cannot be overlooked.
Today the ecological crisis has assumed such proportions as to be the responsibility of everyone.
When the ecological crisis is set within the broader context of the search for peace within society, we can understand better the importance of giving attention to what the earth and its atmosphere are telling us: namely, that there is an order in the universe which must be respected, and that the human person, endowed with the capability of choosing freely, has a grave responsibility to preserve this order for the well-being of future generations. I wish to repeat that the ecological crisis is a moral issue.
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