Fr. Arthur Ntembula from the Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops emphasized that climate change is currently impacting Zambia. He urged for environmental stewardship and responsible actions to address agricultural, water, and energy challenges. Ntembula highlighted radio’s critical role in climate awareness and called for collaboration among various sectors to help mitigate climate change effects.
In a recent statement, Fr. Arthur Ntembula, the Communications Director at the Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops (ZCCB), warned that climate change is an immediate concern for the people of Zambia. The negative impacts of climate fluctuations, exemplified by poor rainfall patterns, have severely affected agriculture, water supply, and electricity generation. This has resulted in frequent power cuts and economic hardship for households and industries alike.
Fr. Ntembula emphasized the need for individuals to take responsibility for their actions, noting that the current challenges highlight the urgent requirement for sustainable practices and responsible environmental stewardship. He addressed the importance of behavioral change among the population in response to climate-related issues, urging effective measures to mitigate their effects on the environment.
In recognition of World Radio Day, which focuses on the theme “Radio and Climate Change,” Fr. Ntembula acknowledged the significant role of radio in raising awareness and mobilizing action against environmental challenges. He pointed out that radio can facilitate education on climate change and foster community engagement, emphasizing the medium’s accessibility and reach.
Referencing Pope Francis’ 2015 Encyclical Letter, “Laudato Si’,” he argued that addressing climate change is a moral imperative that necessitates immediate actions from all sectors, including governments and individuals. He called upon the Zambian populace to actively participate in safeguarding the environment, promoting reforestation, and transitioning to renewable energy sources.
Fr. Ntembula also urged radio personnel to prioritize climate-related reporting, thereby holding policymakers accountable for climate actions and amplifying the voices of those affected, particularly farmers and rural communities. He expressed the ZCCB’s commitment to ensuring that all media, especially Catholic radio stations, incorporate climate messaging into their programs.
Furthermore, he encouraged collaborative efforts between the government, civil society, and faith-based organizations to address the ramifications of climate change, emphasizing that caring for creation is a divine duty rather than an option. Consequently, he called upon radio to serve as a platform for inspiring environmental stewardship and advocating for protective policies for future generations.
Fr. Arthur Ntembula’s statement underscores the immediate challenges posed by climate change in Zambia, pointing to the pressing need for responsible environmental stewardship. He highlighted radio’s crucial role in education and activism surrounding climate issues, calling for collaborative approaches to mitigate these impacts. The ZCCB urges all media to incorporate climate messaging, instilling a sense of divine responsibility towards the environment within the community.
Original Source: www.aciafrica.org
