The Impact of Climate Change on the Health of Marginalized Communities: Overcoming Structures of Sin Through Theological Narratives
Joshua Snyder, Assistant Professor of the Practice, Boston College
In responding to this year’s theme of “Space for the Sacred in Care of the Sick” this paper argues that in order to overcome structures of injustice that harm the health of marginalized communities, theological narratives informed by communities of care are necessary. Specifically, this paper will demonstrate how climate change continues to undermine the health of marginalized communities. Often times the current technocratic paradigm views health care as merely the application of the latest scientific knowledge and technique without concern for the sacred nature of the human being. In opposition to this current trend, this paper argues for a two-tiered approach to addressing the structures of sin that perpetuate the poor health of marginalized communities. This paper will highlight the importance of theological narratives in creating a community ethos to overcome structural oppression and the promotion of health.
Global climate change brings about myriad human health consequences. The World Health Organization estimates that globally, “the direct damage to health caused by climate change will be between 2-4 billion dollars a year by 2030.” Yet, not everyone is equally at risk. This paper demonstrates how the consequences of climate change disproportionately effect, directly and indirectly, the health of marginalized communities. Underdeveloped communities offer a negligible contribution to greenhouse gas emissions, less than .1%, but as we shall see, they disproportionately experience the health burdens. This paper situates its analysis of the health implications of climate change in light of the moral insights of Laudato Sí as well as the theological contributions of Catholic social teaching. In appropriating moral insights from Laudato Sí, we must address the dehumanizing structures that ground ecological injustice as well as how communities of resistance can foster wellbeing. Specifically, by embracing a theological metanarrative and connecting with communal practices of care, individuals are more capable of exercising moral agency in ways that benefit the natural environment and the physical wellbeing of the community.
Global climate change brings about myriad human health consequences. The World Health Organization estimates that globally, “the direct damage to health caused by climate change will be between 2-4 billion dollars a year by 2030.” Yet, not everyone is equally at risk. This paper demonstrates how the consequences of climate change disproportionately effect, directly and indirectly, the health of marginalized communities. Underdeveloped communities offer a negligible contribution to greenhouse gas emissions, less than .1%, but as we shall see, they disproportionately experience the health burdens. This paper situates its analysis of the health implications of climate change in light of the moral insights of Laudato Sí as well as the theological contributions of Catholic social teaching. In appropriating moral insights from Laudato Sí, we must address the dehumanizing structures that ground ecological injustice as well as how communities of resistance can foster wellbeing. Specifically, by embracing a theological metanarrative and connecting with communal practices of care, individuals are more capable of exercising moral agency in ways that benefit the natural environment and the physical wellbeing of the community.