Integral ecology considers the ecology of people, beasts, plants, and stones in themselves and in relation to the entirety of creation. Everything is interconnected. Responsible population growth is related to the available space and resources on the earth. The Catholic view on a just birth control through natural methods must be considered within the total framework of an integral ecology. Future parents should be free without government pressure to discern in prayer and conscience how many children they can responsibly maintain in this world.
Similarly, the only way to find sustainable solutions to the current global crisis is by stimulating an integral ecology in answer to God’s love. For example, producing and operating a phone takes a lot of resources and energy. But before you throw it out, discernment is needed. How important is your phone for you and others? How can you help those who are not yet connected to get a phone? How can you reduce its impact on the environment?
