A Catholic approach to nature and climate

This video is part of a series of short videos from the Catholic Centre for Social Thought and Practice, focusing on areas of Catholic Social Teaching in relation to key political and social issues
In this video, from Dr Carmody Grey, Assistant Professor of Catholic Theology at Durham University, explores a Catholic approach to climate and nature and identifies ways in which Catholic Social Teaching compels us to engage and to act to protect creation.
After watching the video, you can use these questions for further reflection, either as an individual or in a group. These are prompts to adapt in whatever way works for you.
Sometimes these issues are not easy to talk about, so make sure that people feel safe and listened to, especially if they are sharing personal experience. You may wish to start and finish the discussion with prayer or silence.
After your discussion, you may decide to take action or want to learn more. You can use these further resources and videos from CCSTP: www.ccstp.org.uk
1. In the video, Carmody refers to:
creation as, not an inert object, but loved and willed by God;
the concept that taking care of nature is our vocation as human beings and central to our faithfulness to Jesus Christ;
the fact that damage to climate and nature most affects the poorest people, who have done least to cause it.
Was there anything about these ideas that struck, surprised or resonated with you? Were there other ideas that stood out for you?
2. How would you respond to someone who says that protecting climate and nature should not be a key concern for Christians or the Church?
3. The video asserts that there is no individual way forward, only collective. How can we encourage each other within our churches, communities, workplaces, families and friendships to address this issue? How can we collectively create pressure for system change
4. Carmody talks about the importance of starting conversations. How can you challenge the silence around this issue? Who could you talk to about the urgency of tackling climate change and caring for creation? What would help you start the conversation (for example, discussing a news story, inviting someone to an event or sharing this video with them)?
5. The challenges facing our world, and the lack of progress in tackling them, mean that systemic and political solutions are vital. In a general election campaign, you can look at what the parties are proposing and you can contact your local candidates about the issues that concern you.
6. What questions or arguments about political change to protect climate and nature will you make to local and national politicians? The CAFOD and SVP briefing and questions below have some ideas.
Further resources
Briefing from the Bishops Conference: www.cbcew.org....
Briefing from SVP and CAFOD: assets.ctfasse...