Ecological Economics Articles
#5.Praise be to you, my Lord!
Do you know how important you are? For every stewardship decision you make, you change and impact the world! As good and faithful stewards, and as a Christian community, we are required to praise, seek and follow God in everything we do because He is guiding us to do the best for our planet Earth. It should not be a one- day-a-year event on Earth Day. It should be a daily requirement of our faith according to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, which says that, in that requirement, 'We show our respect for the Creator by our stewardship in protecting people and the planet, and to live our relationship with all of God’s creation.'
#4.Can We Cool the Earth?
Did you know the TV show “Highway to Heaven” produced many episodes about the environment? Merry Christmas from Grandpa (1989; Season 5/Episode 13) aired 33 years ago. It’s significant because many issues then －exist today. Similarly, Katharine Hayhoe, Ph.D., had a great video entitled “The most important thing you can do to fight climate change” (12/14/18).
#3.Oceans, Coastlines and the Great Lakes
Did you know the that U.S. Department of the Interior protects coastlines for the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, Gulf of Mexico, and our five Great Lakes? Lake Michigan touches 45 miles of Indiana coastline, including Indiana Dunes National Park. It was authorized by Congress in 1966 as the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, and re-designated as the nation's 61st National Park Feb 15, 2019. Oceans, coastlines and the Great Lakes need protection because they are God’s gifts for our enjoyment and survival, and they affect people throughout the world.
#2.Grasslands, Pollinators, and Our Health
Grasslands go by different names. In the U.S. Midwest, they’re called prairies; in South America, pampas; in Central Eurasia, steppes; and in Africa, savannas. What they all have in common are perennial, bunch grasses (little bluestem, big bluestem, Indiangrass) and wildflowers (milkweed, coneflowers, sunflowers).
#1.The Value of Forests and Trees
Did you know that, in 1800, Indiana had over 83% of its land area in forests? And by 1900, forests made up less than 7% (Sam Carman, IDNR, Div. of Forestry)? Also, did you know some city neighborhoods have few, if any trees? We urge you to take to heart Pope Francis’ wisdom and his love for trees – and the blessings they give us.