An Evaluation of How the Catholic Church's Climate Change Mitigation Efforts Align with its Fundamental Teachings and Local Community Ecological Care: Evidence from Ngong Deanery, Kajiado County, Kenya

Abstract

Climate change has emerged as one of the most pressing global challenges of the twenty-first century, affecting ecosystems, livelihoods, food security, water resources, and social stability. Religious institutions have increasingly become significant actors in environmental stewardship by mobilizing moral teachings, community engagement, and ecological advocacy. The Catholic Church, through its social teachings and environmental encyclicals, particularly Laudato Si’, has emphasized the moral responsibility of humanity to care for creation and protect the environment for future generations. Despite the Church’s active involvement in environmental conservation initiatives, questions remain regarding the extent to which these practical efforts align with its theological teachings and the ecological practices of local communities. This study evaluated how the Catholic Church’s climate change mitigation efforts align with its fundamental teachings and local community ecological care in Ngong Deanery, Kajiado County, Kenya. The study employed a descriptive survey research design informed by a mixed-methods approach. Data were collected from clergy, religious leaders, catechists, parish leaders, and community members through questionnaires, interviews, and focus group discussions. Findings revealed that the Catholic Church has made significant strides in promoting environmental stewardship through tree planting, environmental awareness programs, sustainable resource management, and climate advocacy. These interventions demonstrated substantial alignment with Catholic teachings on stewardship, social justice, and care for creation. However, the study established gaps between theological ideals and practical implementation, including limited environmental catechesis, inadequate resource allocation, inconsistent participation among parishioners, and insufficient integration of indigenous ecological knowledge. The study concludes that while the Church’s climate change mitigation efforts substantially reflect its fundamental teachings, greater institutional commitment, ecological education, and contextualization of environmental programs are necessary to enhance effectiveness. The study recommends strengthening ecological theology within pastoral programs, increasing environmental education at parish levels, fostering partnerships with local communities, and integrating indigenous knowledge systems into climate action initiatives.