Cathwor Lesson 6 Ecological and Environmental Issues

7/29/2019 Cathwor Lesson 6 Ecological and Environmental Issues

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Catholic Social Teachings on

Environmental and EcologicalIssues


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Group Activity: The Softdrink Game The class will be divided into several groups with 3 members each.

1st member represents Pepsi; his task is to identify Problems 2nd member represents RC; his task is to explain the Root Cause

of the problem 3rd member represents Coke; his task is to identify Cool and Ok

solution to solve the problem and make everyone happy.

The teacher will say Pepsi and all number 1 will move 1 stepforward. The first one to move one step should tell one problem. Ifthe teacher says RC, all number two should race to move one stepand tell the Root Cause of the earlier mentioned problem. If theteacher says Coke, all number 3 will race to move 1 step and tellthe solution to the given problem. The first group to reach the finish

line will be the winner.


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Preliminary Activity for Each Group As a group, classify

ecological andenvironmental problemsinto the followingcategories to facilitateeasy identification of

problems: land, air, waterand others. Discuss all the possible

causes of the identifiedproblems.

Enumerate as manysolutions as possible tothe identified problems.

The chart will be helpfulfor you.

Problem(See)

Cause

(Judge)

Solution

(Act)


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SEE


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Ecological problems causedby technology

Air pollution

Saturation of theenvironment withchemicals

Pollution and depletionof water resources

Defacement of thebeauty of nature


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Judge


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Fundamental Orientations

on Ecological Issues Love of nature Humans must love nature because it is the

handiwork of God. Every creature reflects Gods goodness,

wisdom and amiability. Reverence for nature plant, animals and inanimate naturemerit appreciation, respect and protection because they havetheir own goodness, value and eternal worth.

Moderation and self- limitation Humans cannot claim

unbounded liberty of scientific research and experimentationbecause of the possible destructive consequences. Prudenceand responsibility demands that we reduce possible risks.


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Requirements of an

Ecological Ethics Ecology comes from Greek

oikos which means house.

Humans must take good care oftheir house so it will remain a

place favorable to their lives aswell as to the subsistence of allcreatures that live and dwell

therein.


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Obstacles to Ecological Responsibility

Vested economic interest higheroutput, lower cost and better profit

Neglect of environmental needsand concerns dangers resultingfrom production processes such asindustry, mining and agriculture.

Human attitudes indolence, lackof flexibility, reluctance to learnresulting to faulty agriculturalmethods, imprudent deforestation,

reckless hunting and the likes.


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Maximization of Progress

Must remain orientedtowards social justice andecological compatibility

Must respect optimizationof human existenceaims at improvement ofhuman living conditions


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Aims of Economy

full employment

monetary stability

foreign trade balance congruous economic growth

and just income distribution

must be expanded to preservation of thenatural environment


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ACT


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Responsible Use of Natural Resources

Dont waste non-renewable resourcessuch as crude oil, naturalgas, coal, and some

metals.

Renewable resourcessuch as plant and animalspecies must not be

consumed faster thanthey can be replaced.


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Personal concern and critical

conduct in consumption Learn as much as possible about

problems and policies on environment,on local, national and internationallevels.

Examine your own lifestyle buynonpolluting products, reusablematerials and avoid throw-awayproducts; recycle; conserve water andenergy

Vote for environment oriented officials Volunteer and work with environmental

organizations


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Quote for Reflection:

Humans are so intrinsically related to

nature that when they sin against God,nature suffers; and when they obey God,

nature rejoices. ( The Church and theEcological Crisis, 37)

Documents

Cathwor Lesson 6 Ecological and Environmental Issues