Youths Take ACTION - Battle against Climate Change (2)
July 8, 2008 in Africa, Church, LWF, Youth participation
This time I am going to introduce you my friend Evariste Mamadou, a 23 year-old young man from Central African Republic. After graduating from high school, he has been working for the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Central African Republic (ELCCAR). His major duty is to audit the projects implemented by ELCCAR.
Evariste told me that the concept of climate change has not been very well developed in his country. ‘ The situation in my home context is that, most people do not have any information or idea about climate change. They are cutting down tress, putting fire on the grass without knowing that such behaviours will contribute to climate change.’
Evariste was reflecting on 'Sabbath of Land' in relations to Climate Change during a bible study.
Evariste said since 3 years ago, the average annual rainfall has been decreasing. ‘Our people didn’t realize it could be a consequence of climate change and they are parts of those who are contributing to the problem. ‘
After attending the Pre-Council Youth Workshop, Evariste knew a lot more about climate change and the ways we should do to fight it. The first step he will do is to educate the members in his church. ‘I will cooperate with the leaders of each congregation of my church. They will then educate their parishes what is climate change and what we can do about it’.
As youth leader in his church, Evariste said he will lead sessions about climate change in young christians’ fellowshop on every Monday and Saturday. With limited access to the internet, Evariste is also going to invite those youths who can afford to go to internet cafe to gather latest information about climate change and then educate people round them.
Here is Evariste’s vision: ‘ I wish that at least 50% of the people in my church will be aware of the problem within 2 years. Those families who are inspired could plant 10 trees as visible action to fight climate change.’
In addition to the church, what are some other avenues of collective action/education do you identify in the developing world?
In my opinion church is a social network that hasn’t been fully mobilized in fighting climate change. There are still lots of thing can be done through churches. That’s what we are now working on.
For many developing countries in Africa, church is a very effective channel for civil education. For example, last week I visited Tanzania, a country with 4.6 million Lutherans / over 30% of total population. When that church is determined to do something to fight climate change, you can expect the impact could be huge. For instance, that church long ago has required every students in confirmation class to plant 2 trees as a visible action to feedback the nature.
For other avenues of collective action, I think promoting renewable energy can be a good way. I visited a household in a remote villiage near Arusha and they are using solar energy. I later knew that the church granted them with a small loan to install solar panel (which is one of the few ways to get electricity in remote area). What I think is in developing country, if NGOs/Government can help promoting renewable energy, they can help the people and the environment at the same time.
As when some people in developing country need to choose between a diesel generator and a solar panel, why don’t we help them or even subsidized thema bit to make a wiser choice for our collective good.
I hope I have answered parts of your question. But I think you would have more insights to share with us.
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