Planet Earth Revision Notes

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Planet Earth Revision Notes

2.1 – God created the heavens and the Earth out of nothing, filled the Earth

with living creatures and made human beings (Genesis 1-2). He completed the

work in 6 days and rested on the 7th. Buddhists don't believe in a

God, so they don't think God created the universe.

2.2 – Awe – feeling or respect; insight into meaning greater than oneself.

Wonder

– marvelling at the complexity and beauty of the universe.

Christians believe God created the universe

as an expression of his love. As God’s children, humans have the responsibility

to care for and portent the natural world.

2.3 – In the past, the instruction by God to “rule over… every living creature”

was understood in terms of domination rather than stewardship. Now, Christians

believe they have a duty to conserve the Earth for future generations.

2.4 – The greenhouse effect and global warming are results of pollution,

created by emissions of gases from cars, power stations and factories that burn

fossil fuels.

2.5 – Pollution is the contamination of something, especially the

environment. Pollution is a fairly recent problem so the founders of the

world’s religions did not speak about it. However, their teachings can be

applied to the issues. Polluting the planet is not good stewardship, as God’s

creation is being abused. Pollution harms people so it is not following the

Christian teaching to “love one’s neighbour”. It harms living creatures so is against the Buddhist first precept not to

harm living beings.

2.6 – Deforestation – need to consider the needs of people in the

developing world whose livelihoods would be affected if it stopped. This makes

the problem more difficult to solve. Buddhism – “Monks and nuns may not

“destroy any plant or tree”. (Vinaya Pitaka)

2.7 – Wasting resources – Humans have a duty to care not only for the

planet but also for their fellow human beings. This makes some issues

complicated because the welfare of people must be weighed against the welfare

of the planet in years to come.

2.8 – Climate change – Most religious believers consider climate

change an important issue because of the harm it can do to people, animals and

the delicately balanced system of life on Earth. Many would also see the exploitation

and abuse of the Earth’s resources as a sign of sinfulness and greed.

2.9 – Conservation and sustainable development – An issue for religious believers due to

stewardship and responsibility for the Earth. The British government released a

draft climate change bill in March 2007. This promised a 60% cut (from 1990

levels) in carbon emissions by 2050 and a 26-32% cut by 2020. Legally binding –

some say will not be achieved.

2.10 – Environmental issues – Buddhists believe the destruction of the

environment to be a result of greed, ignorance and disregard for the richness

of all living things. If it continues, future generations will inherit a dead

world.

- Christian Aid is a religious charity

with projects on climate change and fair trade.