Learn

. . . about and educate others on both the reality of climate change and its moral dimensions.

Responses to global climate change should reflect our interdependence and common responsibility for the future of our planet. Individual nations must measure their own self-interest against the greater common good and contribute equitably to global solutions. As Catholics, we should try to understand both the causes and consequences of climate change and the moral framework that will enable us to address it from an authentically Catholic perspective.

US Catholic Bishops, Global Climate Change:

A Plea for Dialogue, Prudence and the Common Good, 2001

Below are some suggested resources for your school, university or educational institution  to  fulfill this part of the St. Francis Pledge to learn about both climate change and its moral dimensions.  Invite your students, teachers, parents of students to form study groups or discussion circles and utilize any of the resources listed here.

Catholic Social Teaching on Climate Change and the Environment:

The following three resources are available through the US Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Faithful Stewards of God’s Creation: A Catholic Resource for Environmental Justice and Climate Change.

• US Catholic Bishops’ Statement: Global Climate Change: A Plea for Dialogue, Prudence and the Common Good.
• Why Does the Church Care?
• The Good Life from a Catholic Perspective: The Challenge of Consumption by Msgr. Charles Murphy.

ALSO

• Selected Quotes from the Vatican, the U.S. Bishops and others.
• Go to the Catholic Coalition on Climate Change website to find many more resources.

Overview of the Science of Climate Change:

• The Science of Global Climate Change: a resource from the USCCB’s Faithful Stewards resource material.
• The Pew Center on Climate Change has a variety of comprehensive but easily understandable “Climate Change 101″ downloadable booklets covering everything from the science of climate change to some public policy solutions.

Why Might Climate Change Impact Poor People the Most?

• Why Does the Church Care? a resource from Faithful Stewards of God’s Creation: A Catholic Resource for Environmental Justice and Climate Change.
• The Climate of Poverty: Facts, Fears, and Hope report from Christian Aid examines how climate change is threatening development goals for billions of the poorest people due to climate-induced floods, famine, drought and conflict.
• Tackling Climate Injustice: Toward an Equitable Response to a Global Crisis from Trócaire, the overseas development agency of the Catholic Church in Ireland which addresses the impacts of climate change on the world’s poorest and most vulnerable.

Comprehensive Programs on Catholic Teaching and Climate Change:

• God’s Creation Cries for Justice. Climate Change: Impact and Response: This eight week lesson plan containing faith and science resources is aimed at addressing climate change in solidarity with the poor. Produced by CCCC in conjunction with JustFaith Ministries. Includes prayer ideas, educational resources and ways to act on climate change.
• This Is Your Home is an excellent three-part, downloadable PowerPoint developed by the Immaculate Heart of Mary community in Monroe, MI. It outlines the science and impacts of climate change, our faith response, and offers suggested actions. A study guide is available for use in any educational setting.
• Integrity of Creation, An Issue for Religious Today: Global Warming and Climate Change: Prepared by Global Warming Working Group, JPIC Promoters, Rome, Italy. This booklet aims to give clear information on the issue of Global Warming and Climate Change to help you understand the complexity of the issues and the need for action to save our planet.
• Care for Creation Program or “C4C” is a Franciscan five week immersion experience and spiritual journey for participants to learn about why Prudence is the virtue and Sustainability is the criterion of a movement to recover care for creation in the 21^st Century and address the social justice implications of climate change and globalization.