Christian youths study climate change at NCCI workshop

To sensitise youth about climate change, a three-day workshop was recently organised by the National Council of Churches in India (NCCI).

The "Climate Change: Indian Youth's Response" in Jhansi was organised to educate the youths on issues related to climate change and how it affects the rich, poor, young, old and the entire planet.

The delegates from CSI, CNI, Catholic, Baptist and Mar Thoma Church, cogitated on climate change issues from Faith, Science and Societal views and came out with a pledge and statement as part of the Climate Justice Campaign.

The workshop was inaugurated by Mr. VK Jain, District Forest Officer of Jhansi. Jain spoke on the danger of climate change over the next 20 years which he said could result in a global catastrophe costing millions of lives. Workshop and seminars to spread the awareness of climate change is critical, he added.

Presenting the science view, Prof. Dr. A K Giri, the HOD of environmental studies Bundal Khant University Jhansi, informed the need for reforestation and end to deforestation. "The consequences of cutting down of trees are disastrous. This must be addressed immediately to save our planet," he said.

Apart from roundtable discussion and group activities, there was Bible study by Mr. Tinumeren of NCCI. He quoted Hosea 4:1-9 and John 5:1-9 to address the issues of climate change from the Biblical perspective.

In another session, Rev. Binod Peter Senapati, a professor and theologian of an Alahabad institute, urged the participants to build healthy ecosystems and "make earth a better place to live not only for our generation but for the future as well."

"Human beings are the stewards of the whole creation. We should shun what is selfish and unjust and uphold fairness and compassion. The relationship between organisms and their environment must grow in a positive way," he said.

A statement adopted by the participants promised to "join hands with the Climate Justice Campaign, by promoting and leading eco-friendly lifestyle."

"We will encourage the youth and student community to initiate a 'Tree-planting Campaign' in order to reduce 'Global Warming'; We promise to initiate a 'Green-club' in our colleges, Universities, Churches and villages; We will plead vehicle owners to maintain their vehicle as 'zero-emissioned'; and We will use recycled stationeries and will request our Institutional Heads to make it as an administrative mandate," pledged the participants.

They further appealed to the "local panchayat boards, Churches and Ecumenical organisations to adopt alternative energy methods such as solar panels and CFL bulb."