by Mathias Hariyadi

Maria Ratnaningsih, a Catholic university lecturer, appreciates the pope’s concern for the "common home". She highlights the differences between developed and developing countries. The Church’s concern is "a significant step" on the environment. The "common good" and help for marginalised communities require attention.

Jakarta (AsiaNews) – In a world in which the dangers associated with the use of pollutants are increasing, in which the differences between industrialised and developing nations is growing, the pope's words make it clear that environmental problems are a "global issue,” not a" secondary concern," said Maria Ratnaningsih, from the University of Indonesia, who spoke to AsiaNews about Pope Francis’ encyclical ‘Laudato si’’

On the one hand, developed countries are promoting civilised action on the environment; on the other, some countries are still "unaware" of environmental problems, abuse natural resources and pollute without thinking about the effects on present and future generations.

"Frankly speaking, our environment is in real danger. Everyone should feel involved in the situation,” Prof Ratnaningsih said. “This is even truer, if we think of the natural disasters that occur every day: floods, landslides, avalanches, extreme changes in the climate and so on . . ."

The problem cannot be tackled at the individual level but requires the involvement of all stakeholders, governments, businesses and ordinary people.

"What the Catholic Church is promoting now through the papal encyclical is a significant step forward,” she explained. “The Church has a clear vision of how much the environmental problem is a global issue, not only a secondary concern."

In his encyclical, the pope showed that "this global problem needs to be addressed by the whole human community," the scholar said.

Since environmental damage can be precisely assessed, it is clear that at present climate change and pollution constitute a serious threat "to our lives," she added.

Promoting the interest of ordinary people with regards to environmental sustainability is urgent and requires favouring the common good over the interests of a few individuals or a few nations.

"Modern developed nations should understand the importance of sharing the best practices in environment management,” said Maria Ratnaningsih. This can be done “by providing their knowledge and technology to developing countries."

A policy of development and long-term strategies, she added, are the "keys to knowledge". They will address all issues, from environmental damage to pollutants.

To achieve this goal, the environment specialist lists some guidelines that must be followed if we want to preserve the planet and take care of what Pope Francis defines our "common home".

"You have to start with little things," she said, "become pioneers in the environmental field, and promote a lifestyle" that transcends the "consumer model". For this reason, "we must be conservative in using water and energy as well as managing waste."

As the encyclical indicates, the Church can play a leading role in promoting eco-friendly lifestyles among the faithful, and encouraging businesses and companies to pursue sustainability that looks first of all to "the common good of all the people."

Following Pope Francis’ advice, we must rejected making money "from illegal business," like money laundering or corruption.

"The Church must work with those who are neglected and abandoned,” said the researcher. “In doing so, marginalised communities can regain their dignity.” At the same time, it “can promote projects, policies and activities that are environmentally conscientious."

• indonesia
• pope
• francis
• encyclical
• concern
• environment