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In this time of Covid 19 we would do well to remember that Solidarity is key to addressing both the climate crisis and the pandemic. "We require a new and universal solidarity," Pope Francis wrote in Laudato Si’ (n 14), noting that "obstructionist attitudes, even on the part of believers, can range from denial of the problem to indifference, nonchalant resignation or blind confidence in technical solutions."
Much of the world has overcome scepticism when it comes to the covid 19 pandemic emergency. But what will it take to accomplish for the climate emergency – and to instil the urgency required to cmbat both?
In Lent and especially in D&P/Caritas Canada’s Share Lent we would do well to reflect on what Pope Francis wrote in Querida Amazonia (2 Feb 2020):
“14. The businesses, national or international, which harm the Amazon and fail to respect the right of the original peoples to the land and its boundaries, and to self-determination and prior consent, should be called for what they are: injustice and crime.
To feel outrage and to beg forgiveness
15. We need to feel outrage,[10] as Moses did (cf. Ex 11:8), as Jesus did (cf. Mk 3:5), as God does in the face of injustice (cf. Am 2:4-8; 5:7-12; Ps 106:40). It is not good for us to become inured to evil; it is not good when our social consciousness is dulled before “an exploitation that is leaving destruction and even death throughout our region… jeopardizing the lives of millions of people and especially the habitat of peasants and indigenous peoples”.[11]”
This fits in with our March the Common Good title Lent - Time for Reconciliation for Land and People and which leads from Laudato Si’ n 49 &146 quoted elsewhere to Aboriginal Land Title, the Rule of Law and the Wet’suet’en issue in BC. Most of us are probably unaware of the background to this issue and it is hoped this newsletter can help our understanding. It has many facets and can get complicated but like all things can also be simplified. If Teck Resources can withdraw a multi-billion-dollar oilsands project in northern Alberta it must be because they can see the majority of the people are ahead of the Governments in seeing we must transition to sustainable energy.
In a world moving away from fossil fuels, this project was only ever offering false promises to the workers of Alberta, and Canada, who are naturally concerned about their futures. Canada has a wealth of opportunities awaiting in wind, solar, geothermal and energy efficiency. Now is the time to invest in the clean energy sector and a real just transition for communities.
Surely all the fossil fuel subsidies would provide jobs in cleaner energy? Simple but not easy!
Trust in God!