Religion and Planet Earth

Creation –Origins of Life

The Bible has a creation story

Day 1 - Light / Dark Day 2 Water and Sky Day 3 Plants and Land Day 4 Sun, Moon and Stars Day 5 Sea Creatures Day 6 Animals and Humans Day 7 God rested

Christianity

Christians do not believe that this is a scientific account of creation just a story to explain God was behind all life.

The creation story is used to explain that humans should respect the world as God’s creation and that humans are Stewards – protectors of the planet. The world is his gift to humanity.

Islam

Muslims do not have a specific creation story but the Qur'an refers to Allah as a creator of all things.

Big Bang Theory

Most people believe that the universe started with a great explosion which produced matter and gases enabling planets and stars to form.

As the planets evolved they could sustain life, over time more complicated creatures began to exist with humans finally coming into being.

Awe and Wonder

Religious people believe that there is our universe is amazing and show that it was created by a God – Awe means filled with admiration for the universe

Examples include the Grand Canyon / Niagara falls / Ayres rock / Amazon Rainforest

Damage to the Planet

Carbon emissions from cars or factories

The amount of waste we produce – litter and land pollution

Pollution of rivers and seas. Destruction of natural habitats Using up all the natural resources Acid Rain Toxic Chemicals Greenhouse effect / Climate Change

Greenhouse Effect / Global Warming

Pollution is created from cars and factories that hangs in the atmosphere. It traps the sun's rays around the earth like a greenhouse.

Climate Change

There could be many floods as the level of the sea rises in accordance to the melting ice caps

Freak weather patterns such as tsunamis and hurricanes are starting to appear.

Droughts can lead to severe famine.

The loss of natural habitats for animals.

Deforestation

Conservation means to protect and look after the environment and its species of plants or animals.

Deforestation is taking place because –

Farming land is needed - Land for cattle or crops /Trees for furniture or building houses

Effects of deforestation

Destroys natural habitats – many animals and plants face extinction

Adds to climate change without so many trees more Co2 is left in the atmosphere

Damage to the soil - erosion causes flooding or landslides

Natural Resources

Due to the rising population the demand for natural resources has increased. Fossil fuels like coal, gas and oil are in danger of running out

Renewable energy resources are in the process of being developed. Wind, Wave, solar and geothermal power provides an alternative to making electricity.

Nuclear Power

There is a new generation of nuclear power stations that help tackle climate change as it is cleaner than burning fossil fuels.

Many people worry about the radioactive properties that can hurt people or the environment.

An accident or terrorist attack at a nuclear plant would be catastrophic.

Stewardship

Stewardship is the religious idea that people have been given a special responsibility to look after the planet as it belongs to God.

God created all life and humans have a duty to protect it. In return for protecting the planet we may use its resources such as plants and animals to help us live.

Stewardship

Religious people believe that god will Judge people according to how they have treated the planet and how they have looked after his creation.

Islam calls this the “Day of Judgment”

Islam and Planet Earth

Muslim's believe the world belongs to Allah. Allah created all life and it must be respected. To abuse the environment is abusing God.

People will be held to account on the Day of Judgment. Allah will reward humans that look after his creation and punish those who do not.

Earth Summits

An Earth Summit is a meeting of representatives of different countries, including religious leaders.

They discuss the threat to the Earth and agree on international action

Help the Environment

Religious people think as Eco schools does..... recycle and reuse where possible.

Take the bus or share lifts.

Respect all plant and animal life.

Try not to pollute the Earth by dropping litter or waste.

Continued

Write to an MP over issues

Campaign against deforestation / destruction of natural habitats

Donate money or join a charity that helps protect the environment