The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.
Genesis 2:15
This verse serves as a reminder that God gave humans’ responsibility for the preservation and upkeep of the earth from the beginning. The immense environmental difficulties we confront today make this mandate more important than ever. In order to achieve Carbon Neutrality or Net Zero, we must all work together to address one of the most important concerns of our time: climate change.
For a mitigation strategy as followers of Christ, we are called to lead by example. In 1 Corinthians 4:2, it says, “Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful.” This trust extends to the way we manage the resources and environment God has given us. Our actions towards achieving carbon neutrality should begin at the grassroots level, encompassing our families, parishes, and communities. JPD Commission a mandate that the Kerala church may play a significant role in achieving appropriate environmental protection. We have seen the dissemination of erroneous information and misconceptions about environmental sustainability and climate change. It is our responsibility to refute these falsehoods using the truth and actions guided by faith. Therefore, we must approach our environmental initiatives with a sense of reverence and responsibility.
One of our primary goals is to educate and empower our community to take meaningful steps towards reducing our carbon footprint. This begins at home. Families can adopt simple yet effective practices such as reducing energy consumption, minimizing waste, and embracing sustainable living. These actions, though small, collectively contribute significantly to our overarching goal of carbon neutrality. Our parishes play a vital role in this mission. We are committed to implement eco-friendly practices within our church buildings and grounds. By adopting renewable energy sources, enhancing energy efficiency, and promoting green spaces, our parishes can serve as beacons of sustainability. Furthermore, we will incorporate environmental education into our church activities and catechism classes, instilling a sense of ecological stewardship in our young members.
As we safeguard our environment, we ensure a fruitful and prosperous future for generations to come. As Pope Francis calls the nations through the apostolic exhortation of Laudate Deum, It is not only a matter of survival but also of justice and compassion for our neighbours, especially those most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. As we embark on this journey towards Net Zero, let us draw inspiration from the teachings of Jesus Christ: Jesus says, “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.” Matthew 5:14. Our actions towards environmental stewardship can shine as a testament to our faith, inspiring others to join us in this crucial mission. I extent my appreciation and gratitude to Fr. Jacob Mavunkal, Secretary, JPD Commission, and his team and to the whole DSSS fraternity for their committed services.
Let us commit ourselves to promote environmental sustainability within our living surroundings, parishes, and communities. Together, we can overcome the misconceptions and false information that cloud this issue and work towards a future where our planet thrives. May God bless our efforts and guide us on this path of righteousness. Let us be united in our mission, faithful in our stewardship, and hopeful for a greener, more sustainable world.
Bishop Mar Jose Pulickal,
Chairman, JPD Commission, KCBC
