Fr. Arthur Ntembula, representing the Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops, warns that climate change is no longer a distant threat but a pressing reality for Zambians. He calls for responsible environmental practices and highlights radio’s critical role in educating communities. The message reiterates the moral obligation to address climate change, urging collective action across all sectors.
In Zambia, the Catholic Bishops’ entity voices concern over the immediate threats posed by climate change, as highlighted by Fr. Arthur Ntembula of the Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops (ZCCB). Acknowledging the negative impacts on agriculture and daily life, he emphasizes that climate change is no longer a distant issue but a pressing reality that requires urgent action.
Fr. Ntembula underscores the need for a change in human behavior towards responsible environmental stewardship and sustainable practices. He makes a clarion call during the World Radio Day celebration, highlighting radio’s vital role in raising awareness and educating communities about climate change, thereby mobilizing necessary action.
Referring to Pope Francis’ 2015 Encyclical, “Laudato Si’”, he insists that climate change is a moral issue warranting immediate commitment from governments and individuals alike. The priest advocates for reforestation initiatives and a shift towards renewable energy solutions as crucial steps to address environmental concerns in Zambia.
Furthermore, he urges radio producers to leverage their medium to inform citizens about climate challenges, hold policymakers accountable, and lend a voice to the vulnerable communities severely affected by climate phenomena. He encourages collaboration among media houses to prioritize climate reporting, ensuring the integration of Laudato Si’ messages into programming.
Fr. Ntembula concludes with a call for collective action among the government, civil society, and faith-based organizations to tackle climate issues effectively. He emphasizes that caring for creation is a divine obligation that must be embraced by all individuals of faith to safeguard the environment for future generations.
The World Radio Day, celebrated annually since 2012, acknowledges radio’s role in supporting communities during climate disasters, as recognized by UNESCO.
The message from the Zambian Catholic Bishops highlights the immediate and severe impacts of climate change, urging responsible stewardship of the environment and the implementation of sustainable practices. Through the celebration of World Radio Day, there is a call for utilizing radio as a tool for awareness and action against climate change. Fr. Ntembula articulates the moral imperative to protect our common home, exhorting collaboration from various societal sectors to confront these pressing challenges.
Original Source: www.aciafrica.org
