A NATIONAL CONSULTATION ON ENVIRONMENT ISSUES:
SOCIO-ECONOMICAL POLITICAL AND THEOLOGICAL RESPONSES
July 10-12, 2012
A
NATIONAL CONSULTATION ON ENVIRONMENT ISSUES: SOCIO-ECONOMICAL PO LITICAL AND
THEOLOGICAL RESPONSES was attended by 39 participants from various parts of the
country. Rev. Dr. Reji Samuel, Dean of ISET Welcomed and Introduced
the seminar . Rev.Dr.Cherian Thomas,
Director ECC Inaugurated the Consultation. In his address he highlighted, 1) Bible and other scriptures encourage to protect nature
2)Oikonomia(GK) –root word for Ecumenism, Economy, Ecology.
3) Unity of finance and ecological studies needed for a meaningful
life 4)Enrich our earth to lead a sustainable and
wealthy life. Rev. Polson Chittaranjan,
Introduced ECC through a power point presentation. In the first session- Dr.P.U.
Anthony, ( Professor at Christ University), brought the Key note address:
on the theme Life supporting resources and role of biological
diversity.His Key points:1)Fragmentation of habitat affects species richness.2)
Majority of biodiversity in developing countries and we lose biodiversity at the expense of
development .3)Cultural willingness of communities to co-exist helps
in conservation of biodiversity. 4) Contentment is conservation
In the second
session, Rev.Dr. K. C.Abraham, an
eminent theologian talked about eligion
and Environment / Ecology, Key points: 1)Relationship between religion and
environment as ambiguous. Religious and ecological values
are similar. 2)Attitude to nature Is the key for ecological crisis.
3) Religion has to address the crisis of industrialization. 4)
Anthropocentric orientation of the bible to be reread.
In the following
session , Rev.Dr.K.C.Abraham talked about Environment
conservation : A spiritual responsibility
Key points
: 1)Spiritual crisis should be addressed
by spiritual solution. 2) Ecology comes not with a great power and might,
but with a life of poor, a symbol of God’s care. 3) We must be accountable to how we use our
resources 4) We must be critique
of the consumerist culture.
A a Documentary
film ‘Look for the small Print’ by Jobin K.Andrews was screened as
the last session of the day.
In the second day
morning session was led by Mr. Shankar Sharmaon the role of nuclear power
in India:
A holistic approach.Key Points: 1)
Lack of social justice. 2)
Nuclear power is useful for the
present society but it becomes a burden for the future generation. 3)
Look for alternatives before
investing on nuclear power plants 4)
Take a holistic view of overall
costs to the society
The forenoon session was by Dr. Yellappa
Reddy on the Title: Global warming and climate change.Key points:1)
Emissions are not global problems
but is a local problem. 2) Temperature change has innumerable effects on
biodiversity.3) Discarding the simple solution found in the nature we go for profit
earning systems.4) Prevention is much cheaper, conservation sure.
In the afternoon Dr. Y ellappa
Reddy talked about Interlinking of rivers: An environment issue. Key
points: 1)Interlinking of rivers is not a sustainable solution.2)The
possibility to exercise our power to implement a policy . 3 )The amount of
environmental hazard because of dams. 4) Natural flow of water purifies the
system, thereby enrich the biodiversity.
In the last session of the day
Rev. Dr. Allan Palanna. Lecturer at United Theological
College discussed about
Sustainable development. Key points: 1)No growth in sustainable
development , as it is always a deadlock. 2)Minimize use, minimize waste and
suitable use of renewable resource. 3)The Trinitarian approach to development
4) We could get
involved personally by practicing the principle of sustainable development.
The third day Started with Environement
friendly Worship and planting a sapling .
In the first session
Dr.K.Jacob talked about Electro- pollution: a major threat. Key
points: 1)Invisible and real threat 2)Be aware of the health problems
associated with using e-gadgets. 3)Educate others on the looming danger. 4)Look
for alternatives.
SEMINAR
STATEMENT
We
the participants of the national consultation on Environment
issues: socio-economical political and Theological responses resolve to:
1)
Be conscientious consumers by distinguishing the
difference between ‘needs’ and ‘wants’ Educate the family, student and
religious
communities
with the imminent danger we face due to environmental crisis.
2)
Take simple and economical steps in our own
lives and advocate pro-environmental legislation and research on a larger
scale. Support political candidates that acknowledge climate crisis and demand
that they take action.
3)
Work for generational equity so that our children
inherit a planet that is both functional and enjoyable. Remain open, accept and
affirm our indiscriminate use of resources . Try to live up to biblical
principles of promoting and affirming the inherent worth and dignity of nature.
4)
Encourage our communities such as family, students and
religious to actively support environmental acts. Support implementation of
less costly and and more energy efficient methods.
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