An Exploration of Cordilleran Students’ Christian Environmentalism (CE) and Environmental Awareness (EA): Towards a Post-COVID-19 Pandemic Response to Laudato Si’

Jeramie N. Molino[1]

Religion and Social Communication 20, no. 2 (2022)

Abstract

In response to the youth’s emerging role in care for our “common home,” this study examines the Christian environmentalism and environmental awareness of the selected Cordilleran students. The data sets were taken from two measures: Christian Environmental Scale (CES) and Environmental Awareness Scale (EAS). Being empirical, the data set is analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively. Both levels of analysis provided this study with some depth in understanding the characteristics of the Cordilleran students’ attitudes and experiences on environmental concerns. By employing the Christian Environmental Scale (CES) and the Environmental Awareness Scale (EAS) to select Cordilleran students, this study endeavors to determine the level of Cordilleran students' consciousness of the importance of the environment, especially during the time of the COVID-19 pandemic. This paper aims to give attention to the Cordilleran students’ views, for they belong to indigenous groups that give so much importance to the natural environment. The results show a high Christian Environmentalism (CE) and a high Environmental Awareness (CE) among Cordilleran informants. Moreover, the informants’ responses analysis revealed how the students’ mindset expressed a theocentric view of the environment. Such a mindset can be a fertile ground for sustainable actions toward care for the common home, especially post-COVID-19 pandemic. In the same manner, the CEs and EAs of the Cordilleran informants are a potential source for understanding how Cordilleran youth can contribute to responses to the challenges of Laudato Si in the post-COVID-19 pandemic era.

Keywords: Post-COVID-19 pandemic, Christian environmentalism, environmental awareness, Laudato Si, indigenous knowledge.

[1] Jeramie Nunag Molino, PhD, is a professor at Saint Louis University, Baguio City, Philippines. She holds a Bachelor Degree in Education, MA in Religious Studies, PhD in Educational Management, and PhD in Applied Theology. Her research interests are on Empirical Theology, Ecofeminism, Eco theology, Environmental Communication, Women Studies, Youth Studies, and Religious Education.