18
C. W. Ayre et al.
Introduction
Over recent decades it has become increasingly apparent that not only is the global
climate changing (IPCC 2014), but also that humans have often not exercised responsible stewardship of the earth’s resources. In short, there is a tendency to take
the natural environment for granted, although public concern is increasing (IPCC
2018; Corner et al. 2018). The causes of ecological damage around the globe have
been discussed and analysed in numerous official reports, conferences and books
(White 2008), and the causes are complex and varied. However, the scientific literature presents a high degree of consistency and scientific unanimity concerning the
conclusion that humans are largely responsible (IPCC 2018). The new reality of the
Anthropocene (the geological age of humans) is becoming uncomfortably clear, both
scientifically (Steffen et al. 2018) and theologically (Deane-Drummond et al. 2017).
One of the more serious and arguably least studied causes of ecological damage
is the impact of modern warfare on the biosphere, and especially nuclear warfare
(Westing 1981; Caldicott 2017; Brewer et al. 2020). From a global perspective, in
2014 the UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said:
The environment has long been a silent casualty of war and armed conflict. From the contamination of land and the destruction of forests to the plunder of natural resources and the collapse
of management systems, the environmental consequences of war are often widespread and
devastating. (Mathieson 2014, para. 2)
Although the primary focus of this volume is the situation faced by the Pacific
Islands, it must be emphasised that this is essentially a global and whole-of-life issue.
To a greater or lesser extent, all humans are complicit in the causes of degradation.
Certainly, current and future generations will experience the outcomes. It is therefore
imperative that the whole human community understand as clearly as possible the
ecological impacts of warfare so that more support for a peaceful and sustainable
future can be raised (Westing 1981; ICAN 2014, 2017).
This chapter focuses primarily on the destruction caused by nuclear testing in the
Pacific Islands, a region that is characterised by a high degree of Christianisation
(Nunn et al. 2016; Fair 2018; Luetz and Nunn 2020). In developing its contribution,
this discussion is written from a specifically Christian perspective in an attitude
of respect for the population living in this region. This involves the discussion of
the biblical concept of Shalom in the latter parts of this chapter and also involves
the occasional citation of scripture from the New International Version (NIV) of
the Bible. Even so, the authors wish to reflect a deep respect for those who hold
other points of view (Sire 2009). Religion and religious language have been noted
as key themes in international politics and reconciliation efforts (Siddiqui 2005). It
is from such a perspective that this chapter recognises the underpinning efforts of
religious groups who purport reconciliation initiatives as a solution to ecological
destruction. The discourse will use the term “Earthcare” to describe the need for
consistent environmental care on the part of all people (Ayre 2014). Even though
the significance of Christianity is relatively diminished in contemporary western
society, from a global perspective, faith communities are nevertheless well-placed
C. W. Ayre et al.
Introduction
Over recent decades it has become increasingly apparent that not only is the global
climate changing (IPCC 2014), but also that humans have often not exercised responsible stewardship of the earth’s resources. In short, there is a tendency to take
the natural environment for granted, although public concern is increasing (IPCC
2018; Corner et al. 2018). The causes of ecological damage around the globe have
been discussed and analysed in numerous official reports, conferences and books
(White 2008), and the causes are complex and varied. However, the scientific literature presents a high degree of consistency and scientific unanimity concerning the
conclusion that humans are largely responsible (IPCC 2018). The new reality of the
Anthropocene (the geological age of humans) is becoming uncomfortably clear, both
scientifically (Steffen et al. 2018) and theologically (Deane-Drummond et al. 2017).
One of the more serious and arguably least studied causes of ecological damage
is the impact of modern warfare on the biosphere, and especially nuclear warfare
(Westing 1981; Caldicott 2017; Brewer et al. 2020). From a global perspective, in
2014 the UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said:
The environment has long been a silent casualty of war and armed conflict. From the contamination of land and the destruction of forests to the plunder of natural resources and the collapse
of management systems, the environmental consequences of war are often widespread and
devastating. (Mathieson 2014, para. 2)
Although the primary focus of this volume is the situation faced by the Pacific
Islands, it must be emphasised that this is essentially a global and whole-of-life issue.
To a greater or lesser extent, all humans are complicit in the causes of degradation.
Certainly, current and future generations will experience the outcomes. It is therefore
imperative that the whole human community understand as clearly as possible the
ecological impacts of warfare so that more support for a peaceful and sustainable
future can be raised (Westing 1981; ICAN 2014, 2017).
This chapter focuses primarily on the destruction caused by nuclear testing in the
Pacific Islands, a region that is characterised by a high degree of Christianisation
(Nunn et al. 2016; Fair 2018; Luetz and Nunn 2020). In developing its contribution,
this discussion is written from a specifically Christian perspective in an attitude
of respect for the population living in this region. This involves the discussion of
the biblical concept of Shalom in the latter parts of this chapter and also involves
the occasional citation of scripture from the New International Version (NIV) of
the Bible. Even so, the authors wish to reflect a deep respect for those who hold
other points of view (Sire 2009). Religion and religious language have been noted
as key themes in international politics and reconciliation efforts (Siddiqui 2005). It
is from such a perspective that this chapter recognises the underpinning efforts of
religious groups who purport reconciliation initiatives as a solution to ecological
destruction. The discourse will use the term “Earthcare” to describe the need for
consistent environmental care on the part of all people (Ayre 2014). Even though
the significance of Christianity is relatively diminished in contemporary western
society, from a global perspective, faith communities are nevertheless well-placed