Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Bali (Agenzia Fides) - Participants at the UN climate change Conference in Bali is (3 to 14 December) included political leaders, representatives of international organisations, numerous members of civil societies from all over the world as well as members of Catholic commissions for Justice, Peace and Environment Protection, intellectuals theologians, missionaries and experts.
From a workgroup consisting of many of these representatives it emerged that climate change could cause new tensions and conflicts, according to a report sent to Fides. Areas most at risk are North and South Africa, the Mediterranean, Central and Southern Asia, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh; Chine, the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean. It was said that the international community must take serious prevention measures and adopt strategies to counter the effects of climate change, to prevent more conflict in the world.
Spreading desertification, scarce or lost harvests, natural disasters, glacier melting could cause massive movement of people increasing the phenomenon of refugees and generating new population pressures on other countries. This the experts say, could easily lead to tension and violence and a general destabilisation of societies, threatening international security, especially in poor and vulnerable countries whose economic conditions are not flourishing.
In central Asia water resources are a problem, while in southern Asia melting Himalayan glaciers could alter the monsoon seasons, cause more frequent cyclones, destruction of seasonal rice harvests with serious consequences for millions of people. The repercussions would affect countries already suffering from conflicts (India/Pakistan/Bangladesh/Sri Lanka), worsening people's living conditions. In China climate change could intensify pollution and soil degradation with serious consequences for rural communities.
In conclusion, there is an obvious connection between climate change and peace in the world, the reflection group affirmed. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 12/12/2007 righe 28 parole 289)
