The influence of religion on public awareness of environmental issues in Europe and the Pacific; a comparative study of the catholic christian churches in Poland and Fiji

Abstract

Many argue that climate change and environmental issues of this present day has been the direct or indirect result of man’s greed and unsustainable use of natural resources. These extremities were made more intense after the industrial revolution and the introduction of a more mechanised developing economy. In all these changes happening today, getting the right stakeholders on board is crucial. The study honed in on Catholic parishioners’ perceptions and aspirations on their church’s stance towards environmental issues in the developing and developed countries, with interest of the Catholic churches in Poland and Fiji. Results show that various disparities occur in both countries mainly due to historical events, economical might, tradition, leadership and political affiliations. What is important for such studies in both situations is identifying the opportunities which can be can be learned from these complexities.