JORAS - Nigerian Journal of Religion and Society

This article explores the critical issue of Climate change, causes and consequences from a Christian stand point as contained in various Papal responses. It highlights the mission of the Church towards environmental issues, which reinforces the perception of the interconnectedness of man and nature. As a global crisis, various expositions by experts and reviews of progress reports on climate change summits were delved into, while insights into statements of Popes on this subject at different times form the theological framework of the study. Data obtained from secondary sources were deployed for comparative analysis focused on Africa continent. The study reveals some challenging evidences suggesting that increasing human activities generating greenhouse gases effects were paramount among other factors. More so, never a time have we felt the dire consequences of the wanton destruction and plundering of flora and fauna than now. Climate change remains the greatest humanity's threat faced especially by the West African region; aggravating poverty, famine and increased terrorism. The recommendations were targeted towards the sub-region, which is in dire need of changes in personal behavioural patterns, community and governmental synergy within a coherent and harmonized developmental polices on renewable energy and reduction in carbon emission, to enhance Nigeria's vision 20:2020 Economic Recovery and growth plan.

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