Fr. Arthur Ntembula of the Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops emphasizes that climate change is a present reality in Zambia, significantly impacting agriculture and energy. He calls for responsible environmental stewardship, aligning with Pope Francis’ message on moral responsibility regarding the environment. He highlights the role of radio in climate education and urges collaboration among government, civil society, and faith organizations for climate action.
The Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops (ZCCB) has highlighted the immediate effects of climate change being felt in Zambia, as stated by Fr. Arthur Ntembula. He urges for collective environmental stewardship, noting that current rainfall inconsistencies are damaging agriculture, water supplies, and energy generation, causing considerable economic distress to households and industries.
Fr. Ntembula calls for a change in human behavior, encouraging responsibility in addressing environmental challenges. He emphasizes the urgent need for sustainable practices and reminds citizens of the moral imperative to act for climate protection, referencing Pope Francis’ 2015 encyclical, “Laudato Si’”.
With the global observance of World Radio Day (WRD), he underscores the essential role of radio in educating communities and advocating for action against environmental issues. He states that radio can effectively raise awareness and account for the actions of policymakers regarding climate adaptation and mitigation.
Fr. Ntembula also encourages radio professionals in Zambia to prioritize climate reporting and integrate messages from “Laudato Si’” into their programming. He urges collaboration among government, civil society, and faith-based organizations to combat climate change, reaffirming that stewardship of creation is a fundamental duty for all.
In summary, the ZCCB emphasizes the urgent need for environmental stewardship in Zambia due to the immediate impacts of climate change. Fr. Ntembula calls for individual and collective responsibility, highlighting the vital role of media in climate advocacy. He reiterates the moral obligation to protect the environment, as articulated in Pope Francis’ teachings, and encourages collaborative efforts among various sectors to address climate challenges.
Original Source: www.aciafrica.org
