Environmental and medical issues

Environmental and medical issues

1. Causes of global warming

   • Many scientists believe that the burning of fossil fuels by humans increases greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, in the atmosphere.
   • Some scientists believe that the rise in temperature is natural and the climate has always been in a state of change.

2. Effects of global warming

   • In polar regions the ice melts and increases the seas level which means that some land may be submerged.
   • Some hotter areas suffering drought and others suffering excessive rain and flooding. This could result in shortages of food and then famine.
   • Increase in extreme weather events such as hurricanes and flash floods.
   • Some animals and plants may die out if they can't adapt.

3. Solutions to global warming

   • Individually=turn off electrical appliances when not in use, walk rather than use vehicles, support environmental charities , lobby the government for change.
   • Government and organisations=set laws for factories to reduce energy, work together to try and reduce energy usage.
   • Scientists=research into the causes and consequences of climate change so we understand more about it and can do more to prevent it.

4. Forms of pollution

   • Waste=increase in waste that is not biogradeable or recyclable. Waste takes up space, spreads disease and releases dangerous chemicals. Examples:new technology products like computers.
   • Land=land or soil pollution leads to poor plant growth and threatens animal habitats. Examples:littering,pesticides and radioactive waste.
   • Air=substance or chemical released into the atmosphere threaten the chemical balance of the air. Leads to acid rain caused by burning fossil fuels and smog, which affects humans and animals. Examples:vehicle fumes, CFCs, burning fossil fuels and waste from power stations.
   • Water=contaminated rivers, lakes, oceans and reservoirs. This affects the water quality and the plants and animals that live there. Examples:chemicals, fertilisers, oil, sewage and eutrophication (too many nutrients affect the environment:algae grow and the bacteria that break nutrients down use up the oxygen that fish need).

5. Solutions to pollution

   • Create less waste=recycle as much as possible. Reduce packaging. Re-use as much as possible.
   • Alternative energy sources=use of renewable, clean sources such as solar and wind power to reduce waste and pollution.
   • Government action=anti-pollution laws to limit the amount of pollution, and severe penalties if these laws are broken.
   • Alternative manufacturing methods=research into ways of manufacturing that cause less waste or that remove waste more efficiently.

6. Renewable resources

   • Wind power.
   • Solar power (from the sun).
   • Wave power.
   • Water power.
   • Fertile land.
   • Wood.

7. Non-renewable resources

   • Coal.
   • Oil.
   • Gas.
   • Elements, minerals and rocks (such as uranium and nuclear power).

8. Issues with natural resoucres

   • Humans are very reliant on non-renewable energy sources.
   • If they are used at their current rate, they will run out.
   • This will have an enormous impact and effect on the planet and human life.

9. Possible solutions to natural resources:conservation

   • Use renewable energy sources.
   • Conserve electricity.
   • Walk or cycle rather than drive.
   • Use products made from renewable sources.

10. Christian teachings on stewardship and the environment

    • Stewardship=God gave humans stewardship over the world - they must look after it for future generations.
    • Authority or domination=God gave humans dominion over the Earth which means they have a position of power and responsibility to care for God's creation.
    • Responsibility=humans have a God - given responsibility to care for the world and environment for future generations.

11. The effect on Christian attitudes to the environment

    • Take care of the environment because it is a gift from God.
    • Share the resources of the world more equally because Jesus taught Christians to love and help each other.
    • Conserve the Earth's natural resources for future generations.
    • Reduce pollution to help the environment.
    • Care for animals and plant life because they were created by God.

12. Muslim teachings on stewardship and the environment

    • Allah put humans in charge of his creation so Muslims should respect his gift.
    • Adam, the first human, was made as a khalifah or caretaker of the Earth. All humans have been given this responsibility.
    • The balance of the Earth must be maintained. Allah created everything to have unity and all is dependant on everything else in the world.
    • All Muslims are part of the ummah (worldwide Muslim family) and should look after the world for future generations, making sure natural resources are shared equally.
    • Animals are part of Allah's creation, because humans are khalifahs they should treat animals with respect.
    • On the Day of Judgement, Allah will judge everyone on how they have lived their lives, including whether hey have taken care of the world.

13. The effect on Muslim attitudes to the environment

    • Supporting environmental organisations and charities.
    • Recycling and reducing energy use.
    • Planting trees and crops and using them for the good of others.
    • Not overusing the Earth's resources.
    • Sharing the Earth's resources more equally.
    • Not damaging the natural environment.
    • Avoiding waste and pollution.

14. Types of medical treatment for infertility

    • Artificial insemination by husband/partner (AIH).
    • In-vitro fertilisation (IVF).
    • Artificial insemination by donor (AID).
    • Egg donation.
    • Embryo donation.
    • Surrogacy.

15. Issues with infertility

    • Are very expensive.
    • There are no guarantees that procedures will work and many attempts may be needed.
    • Fertility drugs have uncomfortable side effects.
    • The couple's relationship may be put under great strain because of treatment.
    • Donor sperm or eggs can cause conflict or problems bonding with the child.
    • Surrogacy can cause problems if the surrogate bonds with the child.

16. Christian responses to infertility

    • Some may accept it is God's plan for them not to have children.
    • Some may choose to adopt children.
    • Some may direct their parental skills in a different way through a school, charity or Church work.
    • Some may choose to explore fertility treatments.

17. Christians against infertility treatment

    • No one has 'a right' to have children if this is not God's will.
    • Treatments where fertilisation takes place outside the womb involve masturbation, which is a sin.
    • Where embryos are created, usually those not used are destroyed. Some feel this is murder/
    • Many are against treatments where donated sperm or eggs are used because this is seen as adultery.
    • Most do not accept surrogacy.

18. Christians for infertility treatment

    • It allows infertile couples to experience the joy of havig children, as God intended.
    • It depends on the situation and may be ore acceptable for married childless couples.
    • God gave humans the knowledge to create children artificially.

19. Muslim attitudes to fertility treatments

    • Infertility is seen as a disease so it is okay to try and find a cure.
    • Childbirth and childrearing are important family commitments.
    • Having children brings the couple closer together.
    • The role and status of a Muslim woman in society and the family involves her ability to have children.

20. Fertility treatments not allowed in Islam

    • Some Muslims believe that Allah does not want a couple to have a child, they should accept it and not have treatment.
    • Most Muslims disagree with using donor sperm or eggs.
    • All Muslims believe that surrogacy is wrong.

21. Fertility treatments allowed in Islam

    • In-vitro fertilisation (IVF) by the husband is permitted.
    • Artificial insemination by the husband is permitted.

22. Ethical problems with transplant surgery

    • It is an expensive.
    • Limited form of treatment.

23. Issues raised by organ donation

    • It raises questions about when a person is actually considered 'dead'.
    • Should a person be kept alive or allowed to die purely for organ donation?
    • There are not enough donor organs for those requiring organs.
    • Should humans be using organs from animals?
    • Family members may feel pressurised into donating the organs of a loved one.
    • Who should get the organ when there are not enough for those that need them?

24. Christians agree with transplant surgery

    • It raises no problems for the afterlife because the body is not needed in Heaven.
    • It is a way of people showing gratitude to God for the gift of life.
    • Organ donation is a loving and charitable act that follows the teachings of Jesus to love one another.

25. Christians disagree with transplant surgery

    • It goes against the sanctity of life
    • It interferes with God's plan for every human being.
    • The organs are part of a person created by God.
    • Organs shouldn't be replaced.

26. Muslims against transplant surgery

    • The Qur'an teaches that the body should be buried soon after death.
    • Believe that the body will be resurrected.
    • It goes against the sanctity of life

27. Muslims for transplant surgery

    • Some Muslims argue that organ donation is okay if done to save the life of others because this is what Allah would wish.
    • Live donations are less controversial because people can survive with one kidney.
    • Many Muslims would allow living donor transplants to close relatives.