DVD: ‘Conflict and Climate Change’

Extraordinarily severe weather in Britain since Christmas and increasing mention of Climate Change as a security issue highlight the relevance of this new DVD, ‘Conflict and Climate Change’. The 18 minute DVD was produced last Autumn by the Movement for the Abolition of War (MAW)”, in collaboration with Kevin Mayhew Publishing.

Several prominent political leaders, scientists and academics voice their concerns on the need to tackle climate change and reduce the risk of conflict and war. They include former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and President of Ireland Mary Robinson, Saleemul Huq of the International Institute for Environment and Development, Paul Rogers, Professor of Peace Studies at Bradford University, Indian environmental activist Vansana Shiva and Mary Colwell, an award winning broadcaster specialising in the natural world, who advises the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales on environmental issues. Young environmental and peace activists show what they are doing to build a more sustainable and peaceful world.

Bruce Kent, a vice president of the Movement for the Abolition of War, says: “it is highly likely that that the struggle for resources and migration pressure will become more challenging as climate change takes effect, but we must resolve potential conflict by negotiating, not by picking up guns or dropping bombs”. He has thanked filmmaker Bob Walters, who formed a production team with Valerie Flessati and Ellen Teague of Columban JPIC, and the latter has also produced a resource booklet to accompany the DVD. “We made a big effort to involve young people in the DVD and offer practical examples of what they can do to tackle these problems” says Kent.

The DVD and accompanying resource booklet for schools and adult groups – such as Justice and Peace Groups – highlight the danger of climate change leading to conflict at regional and global levels. The DVD is timely in the light of last September’s UN report where scientists said there will be more extreme weather and rising sea levels as a result of climate change, pointing out that they are 95% certain humans are the dominant cause. The report, from the UN’s International Panel on Climate Change, prompted renewed calls for global action to control emissions of carbon dioxide and greenhouse gases. The DVD is also timely in the event of the unprecedented stormy weather and flooding that Britain has experienced over the past month.

Christian groups have given financial support to the DVD production, including Columban JPIC, Jesuit Fund for Social Justice, Religious of the Assumption and the Christian Peace Education Trust. A scientific advisor was Sir John Houghton of the John Ray Initiative and a former head of the Met Office, who has advised the churches on climate change awareness and action.

The DVD and booklet are published by Kevin Mayhew and cost £8.99 (DVD and Booklet) directly from www.kevinmayhew.com/conflict-and-climate-change-book-and-dvd.html This link also contains a two-minute trailer for the DVD.

See also ICN 14 February 2014 Petition: Cancel Trident spending - help flood victims www.indcatholicnews.com/news.php?viewStory=24159