May 13, 2009

Who’s under your carbon footprint?

Catholic group urges being good stewards of the planet

By John Gleason

Greenhouse gas, carbon footprint and climate change are all terms that one doesn’t hear much at Mass, Bible study or while on a retreat weekend.  But the concern for the physical wellbeing of our planet is something for which all citizens need to take responsibility.  And, as Catholics, we have a responsibility to take care of the world God created for us as well as those who might not be able to take care of themselves.

“Today, the great gift of God’s creation is exposed to serious dangers and lifestyles which can degrade it,” wrote Pope Benedict XVI. “Environmental pollution is making particularly unsustainable the lives of the poor of the world … we must pledge ourselves to take care of creation and to share its resources in solidarity.”

The Catholic Coalition on Climate Change, launched in 2006, is a community that calls on families and parishes to come together to find new ways to care for the planet.  Primarily funded by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), the organization has launched an unprecedented campaign to take responsibility for our contribution to climate change and do what we do best: to be advocates for those who will be left out of the public policy debate on climate change, namely the poor.

This coalition provides a forum to explore the issues and faith implications of climate change; works to keep Catholics in touch with state and diocesan leaders who are promoting climate change activities; and through articles, workshops and presentations, encourages U.S. Catholics to learn more about climate change.

Betty Goebel is director of education for Colorado Interfaith Power and Light, a group that provides support to individuals and congregations that aim to be faithful stewards of God’s earth through the promotion of conservation, energy efficiency and renewable energy.  Goebel gives lectures and presentations to any group willing to listen and learn about what is happing to the planet.

“The charter of Catholic Coalition on Climate Change is to work within the Church on matters pertaining to climate change,” she said. “Change that will affect people who had very little to do with the change in the first place—the poor.  It’ll affect them through drought, flooding, hunger and joblessness.”

Locally, Goebel is chairperson of Earth Stewards, a ministry at Spirit of Christ Parish in Arvada that focuses on climate change.  The goal of the group includes educating parishioners on environmental issues, including global warming.  The United States is home to just 5 percent of the world’s population but creates 25 percent of the world’s green house emissions.

“That’s more than twice the amount per person of many European countries,” Goebel said.  “Clearly we can achieve significant reductions through life-style choices and we must do so immediately.”

Since the beginning of the Industrial Revolution, the use of coal, and other fossil fuels such as gas and oil, has exploded, according to Goebel.  As a result, scientists have seen an increase in greenhouse, or heat trapping, gasses in the atmosphere, which has caused the temperature of the planet to increase.  

“If I tell you that the temperature at the equator has increased 1 degree, you many not think that sounds like much,” Goebel said. “But that 1 degree at the equator means a 12-degree increase in the polar regions.”

That type of temperature increase has translated into melting ice, receding glaciers and an increase in the level of the oceans.

“We all know that if the ocean levels around New York City were to drastically rise, something will be done to save Wall Street,” she said.  “But what happens to the people who live near water in Third World nations?  The water level goes up, homes are destroyed and thousands of people are displaced.”

Goebel said everyone can do their part to fight global warning. A simple first step in conservation is turning down the thermostat and making sure lights are turned off.

“There are many things you can do if you just look around,” she said. “For instance when you’re finished working at your desk and turn the light off don’t forget to power down the computer as well.”

But it will take more than just being energy efficient around the house to combat climate change.  It takes involvement, Goebel said. She recommends the following:

-- encourage lawmakers to improve and update public transportation;

-- join groups working with officials to explore ways one’s city can reduce harmful emissions

-- organize events to raise awareness of the challenges of global climate change.

More information on what can be done to combat global information can be obtained by calling the Catholic Coalition on Climate Change at 301-322-1180. Visit online at catholicclimatecovenant.org. Contact Betty Goebel at 303-747-6950.