From everyday life to eco-social inspiration: the importance of individual action and collective responsibility in the context of resource scarcity.
The connections between resource scarcity, distributive justice and Christian action are of central importance for shaping a just and peaceful world. In the area of tension between environmental problems, resource conflicts and social injustice, important questions arise about our responsibility towards creation and those in need. Pope Francis' encyclical "Laudato Si" emphasizes the moral duty to use nature sustainably and to distribute resources fairly. This essay explores the link between these ethical principles, current research findings and the opportunities for each individual to contribute to greater justice and peace through small contributions.
Against the backdrop of geopolitical upheavals and a series of recent conflicts with international involvement, this reflection aims to highlight the importance of resource scarcity and resource use as a conflict risk in the 21st century and sheds light on the connections between this topic and Christian demands for social justice and peace. At the same time, the fields of action of each and every one of us will be made visible and the collective power of social action will become recognizable.
In today's world, resource scarcity is a determining factor for international conflicts. These conflicts can occur both between states and within states and have a variety of causes. According to the Heidelberg Conflict Barometer, resource conflicts played a role in 97 out of a total of 385 conflicts in 2017, including the fight for arable land in Nigeria and for mineral resources in the DR Congo. The importance of resources as a cause of conflict has increased in recent years and now ranks second after regime conflicts.
It should not go unmentioned that resources alone are rarely the sole cause of violent conflicts. In most cases, resource conflicts go hand in hand with other political, social and economic factors. It is therefore necessary to take a closer look at the complex dynamics of conflicts. The perception that resource conflicts increasingly pose a security risk results from various global developments, including the economic upswing of emerging and developing countries, the growth of key sectors such as telecommunications and digitalization, the increase in the world's population and climate change. Competition for resources is intensifying not only due to physical scarcity, but also due to the distribution of resources and demand.
In a functioning market economy, the relationship between supply and demand is regulated by the price, which normally happens peacefully. However, this mechanism often works poorly on the international commodity markets, as economic cartels, oligopolies and protectionist states distort the market. This can lead to tensions, especially if one party links competition for a resource to other political goals or sees it as a threat to its own security.
Conflicts over resources can also occur at the domestic level, due to both a lack and an abundance of resources. For example, the famine in Haiti in 2010 led to unrest due to food shortages, while in South Sudan in 2013 the struggle for political supremacy and control over oil reserves led to violence. Another important aspect is the "securitization" of resource issues, in which resources are not only economic goods, but are also linked to political goals such as maintaining power, regional supremacy and ideological dominance. Such political conflicts are often accompanied by violence and are more difficult to deal with and regulate.
Christian ideals as an axiom for eco-social commitment
With regard to social justice and peace in a Christian context, it is important to note that Christian teaching emphasizes the ideals of charity, mercy and social justice. Christian ethics calls us to stand up for the needs of the poor and disadvantaged and to work for peace. In this context, conflicts over resources are of particular relevance, as they often affect the poorest the most and lead to violence and suffering. Pope Francis criticizes the unequal distribution of resources on a global level and the overexploitation of nature, which affects the poor and future generations the most. He says: "The social consequences of environmental pollution affect the poorest in particular."
Christian social teaching emphasizes the responsibility of society and governments to promote the fair distribution of resources and social justice. In recent decades, however, misguided environmental and climate policies have contributed to exacerbating resource scarcity and environmental degradation. The exploitation of natural resources without adequate sustainability measures has led to ecological crises that jeopardize social justice and fuel conflict. Pope Francis calls for a fairer distribution of resources that takes into account the needs of the poor and of humanity as a whole. He emphasizes that the economy should serve the common good and not just the interests of a privileged elite.
Protecting creation is always also a commitment to justice and peace
It is therefore a moral and, above all, a Christian obligation to promote environmentally conscious policies that use the earth's resources responsibly while taking into account the needs of the poor and future generations. This requires international cooperation, the protection of natural resources and the promotion of sustainable development. The Pope makes it clear that environmental pollution and social injustice are linked and that solutions to environmental problems must include social justice. He says: "An ecological transformation cannot be achieved without a social transformation."
Resource issues have a significant impact on social justice and peace, and responsible environmental and climate policy is crucial to meet the challenges of the present and the future. Even Christianity can play an important role here by bringing its principles of social justice and peace into the discussion on resource conflicts and environmental policy. Christian social teaching has always emphasized the responsibility of society and governments to promote equitable distribution of resources and social justice. In recent decades, however, misguided environmental and climate policies have contributed to exacerbating resource scarcity and environmental degradation. The exploitation of natural resources without adequate sustainability measures has led to ecological crises that jeopardize social justice and fuel conflicts. The Russian war of aggression in Ukraine and the escalation of violence in the Middle East are just as closely linked to these undesirable developments as the many other - little-seen - conflicts and crises in the world.
However, not only governments and influential political and economic actors, but each and every one of us can make an important contribution to promoting justice and peace in the context of the previous considerations. These small contributions can help to mitigate the effects of resource scarcity and environmental problems and promote social justice. For example, making a conscious decision to consume sustainably can make a big difference. This includes buying environmentally friendly products, supporting fair trade initiatives and reducing waste. By making more conscious consumption choices, we reduce the pressure on natural resources and contribute to social justice. Reducing energy consumption in our daily lives can also help to mitigate climate change and conserve resources. This can be achieved by using energy-efficient appliances, reducing energy wastage (e.g. heating pots in restaurants) and switching to renewable energy sources.
The small in the big: Christian ethics and the commitment to resource conservation.
In today's world, the challenges relating to the environment and the use of resources are more pressing than ever before. The ongoing destruction of the environment, climate change and the scarcity of resources require a rethink and action on a global level. However, as individuals in an affluent society, we often tend to feel powerless in the face of the enormous environmental impact caused by industry, consumption and politics. We ask ourselves whether our own small efforts to conserve resources matter at all. This is where Christian ethics come into play and show us that every contribution counts.
The list of ways in which we as individuals in an affluent society can contribute to the conservation of resources is long. It ranges from reducing energy consumption to conscious consumption and supporting sustainable initiatives. However, if we look at them individually, we might be tempted to think that these small measures disappear in the mass of harmful influences. However, this idea is misleading and should not be underestimated.
The sum of all small actions can trigger an incredible dynamic. The idea of collective responsibility plays a crucial role here, and this is a principle that is deeply rooted in Christian ethics. Christian teachings motivate us to care for our fellow human beings and for creation. This means that our actions are not only related to ourselves, but to the good of all. Pope Francis emphasized this impressively in his encyclical "Laudato Si". He calls for "integral ecology", which encompasses not only the environment, but also the social and economic dimensions of life. This concept emphasizes the link between environmental degradation and social injustice. It makes it clear that those who contribute the least to environmental pollution are often those who suffer the most from its consequences.
Everyday opportunities are a treasure trove for eco-social commitment.
In this context, it is important to recognize that our individual efforts to conserve resources can not only help reduce environmental impacts, but can also promote social justice. For example, by saving energy, we help to reduce negative impacts on the environment and the price of energy, which can improve access to resources for low-income groups. Through conscious consumption, we support sustainable companies and help to create jobs in environmentally friendly sectors.
Christian ethics also remind us of the importance of charity and solidarity. When we actively engage in resource conservation, we set an example for others and encourage them to do the same. Our actions can set off a positive chain reaction and inspire people to also stand up for the environment and social justice. Furthermore, Christian ethics teach us to take responsibility and not to be deterred by the seeming insignificance of our individual actions. It is not only our opportunity, but also our duty to make a difference as individuals.
Insgesamt zeigt die Verbindung zwischen christlicher Ethik und dem Engagement zur Ressourcenschonung, dass unsere kleinen Bemühungen einen wichtigen Beitrag zur Bewältigung der globalen Umwelt- und sozialen Herausforderungen leisten können. Jede Aktion, sei sie noch so klein, ist ein Schritt in die richtige Richtung. Wenn wir alle zusammenarbeiten, können wir eine positive Veränderung bewirken und eine gerechtere, nachhaltigere Welt schaffen, die im Einklang mit den Prinzipien der christlichen Ethik steht. In einem Zeitalter, in dem diese Herausforderungen immer drängender werden, bietet die Umsetzung dieser christlicher Prinzipien in unserem täglichen Leben die Möglichkeit, eine gerechtere und friedlichere Welt zu gestalten. Im Dreiklang von Aktion, Kontemplation und Mission können wir - als Christen der Zukunft – den Appell zur Nachfolge Christi in unseren Lebensalltag übersetzen und mit kleinen Dingen Großes bewirken.
Sources:
Beevers, Michael D. (2015): Governing Natural Resource for Peace: Lessons from Liberia and Sierra Leone, in: Global Governance, pp. 227-246.
Collier, Paul/ Hoeffler, Anke/ Rohner, Dominic (2009): Beyond Greed and Grievance: Feasibility of Civil War, in: Oxford Economic Papers, pp. 1-27.
Humphreys, Macartan (2005): Natural Resources, Conflict and Conflict Resolution, in: Journal of Conflict Resolution, Vol. 49, pp. 508-537.
Koubi, Vally/ Spilker, Gabriele / Böhmelt, Tobias / Bernauer, Thomas (2014): Do Natural Resources Matter for Interstate and Intrastate Armed Conflict? In: Journal of Peace Research, pp. 227-243.
Mildner, Stormy-Annika (ed.) (2011): Conflict risk raw materials? Challenges and opportunities in dealing with scarce resources, SWP-Studien 2011/S 05, Berlin.
Pope Francis (2015): Laudato Si. On care for the common home. The environmental encyclical with introduction and topic key, kbw Bibelwerk, Stuttgart.
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