Zambia’s Bishops Urge Climate Action and Stewardship on World Radio Day
On World Radio Day 2025, Fr. Arthur Ntembula of the ZCCB emphasized the immediate impacts of climate change in Zambia, which are affecting agriculture, water, and power generation. He called for responsible environmental stewardship, the crucial role of radio in climate awareness, and collaborative efforts among various organizations to address the challenges presented by climate change.
On February 13, 2025, the Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops (ZCCB) communicated the urgent effects of climate change on the Zambian populace during a statement made by Fr. Arthur Ntembula, the Communications Director. He stated that Zambians are now facing the repercussions of altered rainfall patterns which severely disrupt agriculture, water resources, and power generation, imposing economic burdens on households and industries. Fr. Ntembula advocated for greater responsibility in improving environmental stewardship to combat these pressing challenges.
In recognition of World Radio Day (WRD) focused on “Radio and Climate Change,” he emphasized the critical role of radio in disseminating vital information concerning climate issues. Fr. Ntembula highlighted that radio serves as a powerful medium for raising awareness and facilitating education on climate change to mobilize community action. He echoed Pope Francis’ message in the encyclical “Laudato Si’”, urging immediate and coordinated action to address climate change as a significant moral concern.
Fr. Ntembula encouraged various stakeholders involved in radio and media to leverage the wide reach of radio to report on climate issues, thereby enlightening communities on the impacts of climate change. He also stressed the importance of holding policymakers accountable for implementing effective climate strategies that cater to vulnerable populations, particularly farmers. To promote awareness, he urged all media houses in Zambia to prioritize climate-related reporting and to incorporate the principles of “Laudato Si’” into their broadcast content.
Furthermore, he called for collaborative efforts among the government, civil society, and faith-based organizations to collectively tackle the ramifications of climate change. Fr. Ntembula reminded the community of their divine responsibility towards caring for creation, asserting that it is essential rather than optional. Conclusively, he underscored the need for proactive measures to preserve the environment for future generations, particularly through the impactful platform of radio.
The ZCCB, led by Fr. Arthur Ntembula, has initiated a call to action concerning the direct impacts of climate change experienced in Zambia, proposing environmental stewardship and enhanced media engagement as critical responses. The importance of radio as an educational tool for climate awareness is highlighted, alongside the moral imperative for collective responsibility in protecting the environment as espoused by Pope Francis. The call to prioritize climate reporting and collaboration signifies a proactive commitment by the Zambian Catholic Church towards sustainability and resilience against climate change.
Original Source: www.aciafrica.org
