Post date: Mar 17, 2016 1:18:45 AM
In June 2015, a fresh voice from an unexpected source emerged with a compelling appeal addressed to ‘every person living on this planet” and all about the human dimensions of global change:
When we speak of the “environment”, what we really mean is a relationship existing between nature and the society which lives in it. . . . We are faced not with two separate crises, one environmental and the other social, but rather with one complex crisis which is both social and environmental. Strategies for a solution demand an integrated approach to combating poverty, restoring dignity to the excluded, and at the same time protecting nature.”
(Laudato Si’ par. 139)
While the press releases that lauded the importance of this document have abated, a thoughtful reading of the actual text should be of great interest to HDGC geographers. Informed by advice from leading international scholars in both the natural and social sciences (both believers and non-believers), Pope Francis’ Encyclical letter, Laudato Si’ On Care for Our Common Home is an extraordinarily sweeping analysis of global environmental deterioration that attempts: “to get to the roots of the present situation, so as to consider not only its symptoms but also its deepest causes.” (par. 15)
In addition to accepting the scientific consensus that points to human activity as an important cause of recent global warming (par. 23), the document addresses a comprehensive array of other themes related to the human dimensions of global change: (1) the relationship between the poor and the fragility of the planet, (2) how everything in the world is connected, (3) a critique of new paradigms and forms of power derived from technology, (4) the call to seek alternative ways of understanding the economy and progress, (4) the value of all creatures, (5) the “human” meaning of ecology, (6) a need for forthright and honest debate on all these issues, (7) the serious responsibility of international and local policy, (8) how a ‘throwaway culture’ underlies so much of the above, and (9) the need for new lifestyles as a response and solution to addressing all these issues (par. 16).
Chapter 1’s analysis of the current state of the planet’s environment: “What is Happening to Our Common Home,” Chapter 3’s analysis of “The Human Roots of the Ecological Crisis,” Chapter 4’s vision of “Integral Ecology,” and Chapter 5’s call for dialogue on “Lines of Approach and Action” each have direct relevance for many of the issues we explore, debate, write about and teach as geographers. Faith-based language is used more extensively in Chapter 2 on “The Gospel Of Creation” and Chapter 4 on “Ecological Education and Spirituality,” yet Pope Francis frames these sections accordingly and in line with his intent to communicate with believers and non-believers alike.
The encyclical’s introduction includes a direct plea to the entire world: “I urgently appeal, then, for a new dialogue about how we are shaping the future of our planet. We need a conversation which includes everyone, since the environmental challenge we are undergoing, and its human roots, concern and affect us all.” (par. 14). The encyclical is already generating critiques from diverse sectors on some of the more controversial parts of its message, thereby making the Pope’s plea for dialogue all the more important. Included in this appeal is a call for “religions in dialogue with science” on the environmental changes the planet is undergoing (pars. 199-201). Such science/religion dialogues have already begun within a few professional scientific societies, e.g. Ecological Society of America (ESA) and the American Geophysical Union (AGU), and these organizations have also released statements about Laudato Si’ itself (ESA Statement, AGU Statement). Given the commonality of interests between the major themes of the Encyclical and the HDGC SG’s stated goals of promoting the varied interests of geographers in ‘the human dimensions of global-scale processes that affect or are affected by environmental changes’ our specialty group appears to be an ideal forum for initiating and sponsoring a similar dialogue within the AAG. There is no better place to begin than by embarking on a critical reading of Laudato Si’.
Laudato Si’ - On Care for our Common Home by Pope Francis is available for free online and as a pdf at various websites, including the official Vatican website and can also be purchased in book form at many bookstores or via your favorite internet book provider.
Katie Hirschboeck, University of Arizona