Fragmentation and Isolation
June 1998
The deterioration and, in certain parts of the planet, destruction of the environment constitutes an undoubted reality for our contemporary world. The Ecumenical Patriarchate follows with grave concern this deterioration of the ecological crisis, as well as the development of a tendency of an isolated and exclusive response on the part of various scientific branches and specific efforts to control this problem. As we have repeatedly underlined, the fragmentary examination of this problem succeeds only in a partial consideration and response.
In order, therefore, to examine and encounter comprehensively the environmental crisis that we are facing, in relation especially to the problems of poverty and social injustice, the fifth annual Summer Ecological Seminar was held between June 14-20, 1998, in the Holy Patriarchal and Stavropegic Monastery at Halki on the theme: “Environment and Poverty: legal dimensions and moral responsibility.” Representatives of Churches and other religions, environmental and governmental authorities, as well as scientists and scholars, presented their views, participated in captivating discussions and produced common documents, which comprise valuable material for a comprehensive approach to the issue at hand.
Poverty and Environment
For, as one of the more serious ethical, social and political problems, poverty is directly connected to the ecological crisis. A poor farmer in Asia, in Africa or in North America will daily face the reality of poverty. For these persons, plastic is not harmful to the environment and the destruction of the forests, but rather to the very survival of themselves and their families. Terminology such “ecology,” “deforestation” or “overfishing” is entirely unknown. The “developed” world cannot demand from the developing poor to protect the few earthly paradises that remain, especially in light of the fact that less than 10% of the world’s population consumes over 90% of the earth’s natural resources.
The present situation reminds us of the poor widow in the Gospel, who made her small offering in the treasury; yet, this contribution was the equivalent of her entire possessions. “For, all of them have contributed out of their abundance; but she out of her poverty has put in everything that she had, all that she had to live on” (Mk 12.44). Therefore, we are not justified in demanding the poorer nations to offer huge sacrifices, when in any case these contribute far less than the developed nations to the pollution and crisis of the environment. Instead, we ought to assume our own responsibilities and contribute to the solution of the environmental crisis in accordance with our possibilities as financially stronger nations in order to wipe out poverty as well.
