Laudato Si' Article 165
"We know that technology based on the use of highly polluting fossil fuels – especially coal, but also oil and, to a lesser degree, gas – needs to be progressively replaced without delay. Until greater progress is made in developing widely accessible sources of renewable energy, it is legitimate to choose the less harmful alternative or to find short-term solutions."
Everyday, I can see pollution from the refinery only a few miles away from the hospital where I work. I can also see the faces of suffering from patients living with leukemia, lung cancer, respiratory illness, muscular disease, cardiovascular disease and other congenital born anomalies and illnesses. According to the studies and research, people living near the the oil and gas development chain are at high risk of getting these illnesses. This chain of risks from harmful chemicals can be traced starting from extraction, transportation, refinement, combustion and the abandonment of wells. Some of my patients have departed to a place where there is no more weeping while some are fighting to live supported by families struggling to make ends meet. I have seen the families of our patients, agonizing with their loved ones with treatment, follow-ups and finally grieving with their loved one's life. Some are looking for cure that seems unavailable.
For some of the people who have been working for Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation, and those who are open to truth about the environment, and climate crisis, we know the answer to why this is happening. The action takes time because it requires conversion from the conventional the way things are to a paradigm shift that something different is possible. This is about addressing the moral shift. We can also recognize that there are also people who do not know the truth or not ready to face the truth about the fossil fuel, that brings the need for advocacies and education. If we look at the origin of extractivism, this has its roots on power and domination. Not many people still may not know that plastic and styrofoam are made of oil. Not many people know that there are clothes that are made of polyster, Polyster is not a natural fabric but a synthetic fiber, made from oil-derived chemicals. Not many people know that there are other options to working for polluting fossil fuel industries. The problem lies when the vulnerable people are not able to afford to move out of their neighborhoods that have been occupied by the refineries, and oil and gas wells, and production chains. Mostly, they are the ones to claim the greatest impact on their health.
This is an invitation to reflect on the products that we buy and the services that we patronize. Are we creating more demands for oil and gas? How are we participating in increasing the risk into our environment? How are we contributing to the health risks of the people working and living near the oil and gas chains? Are we contributing to the moral shift or slowing down the process to move to more conscientious, integral and healthy lifestyle?
There are people who relies on these industries to put a bread on the table. This is the intersection of the advocacies for clean and green jobs so that the government and the private sectors can support the health of our communities while addressing a more sustainable and socio-ecologically economic model. When the people are healthy, the community will thrive, and the society flourishes.
This year is an invitation to be more informed in order to reflect, take action, and to be an advocate of clean economy.
This is an invitation to answer these questions:
What kind of world are you supporting?
What environment are we giving to our children?
What are you willing to change?
Will you lower the demand for oil and gas and find alternatives to plastic-made products, containers, and decrease oil and gas consumption?
Tips on lowering the oil and gas consumption
- Turn off lights or appliances (televisions, radio, computers, etc) when not in use
- Unplug your appliances. When appliances are plugged, it generates unnecessary electricity
- Lower your thermostat during winter and increase your themostat 5 to 10 degrees higher in summer
- Reducing freshwater usage/improving water recycling efforts
- Use LED
- Weatherize your home
- Opt for renewable source of energy: if you do not have the ability to choose solar, call your energy provider and ask for the renewable plan or ask your local energy to provide this option or advocate for renewable energy
- Walk for your exercise
- If you are still using gas-powered stove or appliance, switch to electric-powered one. There is already an induction stove that make use of magnetic current that passes thea heat directly to pots and pans than the traditional electric stove
- Hang your clothes to dry. If you must to buy an electric dryer at home, use the heat pump dryer and other energy star appliance. (Heat pump dryer makes use of 50% less energy).
- For truly responsible people: Switch to Electric Cars
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