Catholic leaders in Zambia report significant impacts of climate change, stressing that it is now a firsthand reality. They call for urgent environmental stewardship and highlight the media’s role in raising awareness and accountability. Fr. Ntembula invokes Pope Francis’ guidance, urging action to safeguard the environment and promote sustainable practices, particularly through radio’s outreach on World Radio Day.
In Zambia, climate change is being felt acutely, with the Communications Director of the Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops (ZCCB), Fr. Arthur Ntembula, stating that it has become a firsthand experience for the people. He highlights how extreme rainfall variations are severely impacting agriculture, water supplies, and power generation, causing extended load shedding and economic distress for households and industries alike.
Fr. Ntembula urges the community to embrace responsible environmental stewardship and sustainable practices as a remedy to these challenges. He emphasizes that behavior change is essential for individuals to take ownership of their environmental impact. The call to action aligns with the annual observance of World Radio Day (WRD), focusing on the theme “Radio and Climate Change.”
The priest acknowledges the importance of radio in promoting awareness on critical issues such as climate change, stating that the medium plays a vital role in educating communities and mobilizing efforts to tackle pressing environmental concerns. He underscores Pope Francis’ 2015 Encyclical, “Laudato Si’,” which frames climate change as a moral imperative requiring urgent engagement from all sectors of society.
In conclusion, Fr. Ntembula’s message accentuates the immediate need for Zambia to confront climate change through collective action, responsible stewardship, and the active participation of media in climate reporting. By invoking Pope Francis’ teachings, he calls on all stakeholders, including the government and civil society, to unite in safeguarding the environment for future generations. The commitment to integrate climate discussions within Catholic broadcasting is vital for fostering awareness and accountability in climate governance in Zambia.
Original Source: www.aciafrica.org
