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K. McKenna and L. T. Yakam
• Christianity and climate change: what does Christianity say about a changing
climate? What can or cannot be done? Are there visible connections between
climate science and Christianity? If so, can they be integrated to formulate a
common understanding?
• Traditional practices and beliefs of the environment: What traditional/cultural
practices or beliefs were used in the past that protected the environment and
encouraged conservation? Can these practices be applied today? Why? Why not?
• Middle-ground: Where can we find common ground? How can we work together
to mitigate and adapt to climate change?
• Moving forward: What practical approaches to addressing climate change could
be implemented at the community level? Who should be involved in these projects
or programs? Who should take lead?
A further recommendation is that sustainability practitioners working in PNG ensure
the involvement of religious leaders in the design, implementation, monitoring and
evaluation of conservation programs. This might necessitate an initial dialogue phase
whereby practitioners and religious leaders share their worldviews concerning the
environment and climate change, which may require external facilitation. As Moyer
et al. (2012) write,
…while there are technical, scientific, and political elements to addressing environmental
problems, at the root of the issues are profound ethical decisions and worldview orientations
which fit more into the realm of faith than they do into the realm of science, which has been
a primary realm in which these issues have been engaged. (p. 985)
Efforts to establish new collaborations between researchers, non-government organisations and church congregations, can also draw on guidance materials developed for the international development sector, such as Research for Development
Impact Network’s (2018) ‘How to collaborate with Pacific Churches for development
research’ handbook.
Conclusion
Market sellers in Madang are observing changes in the environment which are
perceived to be impacting on the quality and quantity of fruit and vegetable produce.
The principal causes identified are rising temperatures and changes in rainfall
patterns. The root cause of these changes is interpreted with reference to Biblical
notions of the ‘End Times’, which appears linked to defeatist responses to climate
change mitigation and adaptation. Despite this belief, there is eagerness for more
information on climate change among market sellers. It has been argued that this
can be achieved in ways that respect Christian beliefs. Two examples are increasing
engagement with notions of stewardship and creation care within Church communities and improving and increasing dialogue between climate scientists and religious
communities through participatory and collaborative research processes.
K. McKenna and L. T. Yakam
• Christianity and climate change: what does Christianity say about a changing
climate? What can or cannot be done? Are there visible connections between
climate science and Christianity? If so, can they be integrated to formulate a
common understanding?
• Traditional practices and beliefs of the environment: What traditional/cultural
practices or beliefs were used in the past that protected the environment and
encouraged conservation? Can these practices be applied today? Why? Why not?
• Middle-ground: Where can we find common ground? How can we work together
to mitigate and adapt to climate change?
• Moving forward: What practical approaches to addressing climate change could
be implemented at the community level? Who should be involved in these projects
or programs? Who should take lead?
A further recommendation is that sustainability practitioners working in PNG ensure
the involvement of religious leaders in the design, implementation, monitoring and
evaluation of conservation programs. This might necessitate an initial dialogue phase
whereby practitioners and religious leaders share their worldviews concerning the
environment and climate change, which may require external facilitation. As Moyer
et al. (2012) write,
…while there are technical, scientific, and political elements to addressing environmental
problems, at the root of the issues are profound ethical decisions and worldview orientations
which fit more into the realm of faith than they do into the realm of science, which has been
a primary realm in which these issues have been engaged. (p. 985)
Efforts to establish new collaborations between researchers, non-government organisations and church congregations, can also draw on guidance materials developed for the international development sector, such as Research for Development
Impact Network’s (2018) ‘How to collaborate with Pacific Churches for development
research’ handbook.
Conclusion
Market sellers in Madang are observing changes in the environment which are
perceived to be impacting on the quality and quantity of fruit and vegetable produce.
The principal causes identified are rising temperatures and changes in rainfall
patterns. The root cause of these changes is interpreted with reference to Biblical
notions of the ‘End Times’, which appears linked to defeatist responses to climate
change mitigation and adaptation. Despite this belief, there is eagerness for more
information on climate change among market sellers. It has been argued that this
can be achieved in ways that respect Christian beliefs. Two examples are increasing
engagement with notions of stewardship and creation care within Church communities and improving and increasing dialogue between climate scientists and religious
communities through participatory and collaborative research processes.