The World Environment Day was institutionalized by the United Nations in 1972, while in 1973 the first celebration took place. Since then, conferences and workshops have been held annually in the host country. The theme of this year's event is entitled as follows: "Our land, our future. We are #GenerationRestoration".
The problem of climate change
Environmental pollution and the impact of human activity on Earth is of great concern to humanity. In recent years, in addition to air pollution, water pollution and global warming, we are facing the general issue of ecological crisis and climate change.
The problem is now obvious in our daily lives, as we often have to cope with extreme weather and situations that go beyond our control, occasions that make us utterly powerless in front of the power of nature.
In an attempt to offer possible solutions to the ecological crisis, all states are setting up expert committees, staffing their ministries with people specialized in environmental studies and taking action to limit human interference with nature.
However, ecological crimes are still committed. The pursuit of profit, the will of power and imposition, often overrides our love for the natural environment. Moreover, in the face of immediate benefit, people often forget the future benefit of taking care of the ecosystem in which they live and breathe.
Theological approach
In the Genesis text, at the description of the creation of the universe, of Adam and Eve, the relationship between human and Earth is defined for the first time. Specifically, it is stated:.jpg)
"And God blessed them and said to them, 'Increase and multiply, and fill the earth, and possess it, and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the birds of the air, and over every living creature that moves upon the earth.'" (Genesis 1:28)
Man has been defined by God Himself as the dominant creature on Earth. The Lord has granted him the power and authority to rule over nature, over the environment and all living creatures. However, it also states:
"And the Lord God took man and put him in the paradise of Eden to work in it and protect it" (Genesis 2:15)
Therefore, along with the authority granted to him, man was also given the responsibility of caring and protecting the land on which he lives, the garden that God created to accommodate him.
According to the orthodox theology, the Earth and its environment are divine creations. They are a property not of humanity, but of our Lord, the same master who brought us all to life. In this context, man's abuse of nature is a sin. It is, in fact, an abuse of the authority granted to him by God Himself.
In the context of a secular debate on the environment and the ecological crisis, we could refer to sustainability, solidarity and to the actions we should take if we want to ensure the survival of our species.
However, in the context of a theological debate, we should be concerned about the lack of compassion and love for the natural environment. Nature is governed by divine grace and if it sometimes appears hostile, this is not a punishment, but a personal choice of humans to turn away from the light of Jesus Christ. When we allow the evil to define our intentions and actions, we ourselves grant it the right to rule our world.
The Orthodox Church, wishing to realize man's loving relationship with the natural environment, celebrates sacraments, litanies, sanctifies waters and prays "for favorable weather, for an abundance of the fruits of the earth, and for peaceful times".
