AN ECO-THEOLOGICAL APPRAISAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION AND ITS IMPLICATIONS FOR THE NIGER-DELTA REGION

Abstract

In the Niger-Delta region of Nigeria, like some other geographical areas, modern technology has brought several challenges which also inhibit the process of growth and development of mankind, leading to global warming. Anthropogenic release of green house gases and chemical pollutants like carbon-monoxide and other combustible elements, disposal of lubricating oils from machines into rivers, crude oil exploration and pipe-line vandalism all lead to environmental degradation and contribute to global warming. These pollution-intractable problems affect communities and have serious health, economic, and social implications. Reasons adduced for allowing multi-national companies to continue degrading the environment are: that if there are civil rights protection at all they are dead letters; again, people do not think that members of a poor community will fight back or that anyone would listen and there seem to be a kind of collaboration between government and the extracting companies that make it possible for the plundering of the land. The church needs to sensitise people that they have obligation not just to one another but to the land. Thus, emphasizing the intricate interdependence of soil, water, flora and fauna, in which humans also belong and that God commands that we protect nature. The church should devise strategies to ensure that the mentality of our leaders change so that they can state and implement strict penalties for toxic dumpers and ensure that oil companies operate in ways in which care for the environment and the people are given due priority. When the church works with the community and the government, there may be better prospects of ending this selfdestructive perpetration of exploitation and pollution of the environment.