First, we'll look at how pollution, deforestation, and over‑fishing harm our environment, and then we'll explore what the Bible says about caring for the earth. By the end of today, you'll understand these impacts, see stewardship from a biblical perspective, and identify practical, sustainable habits you can use every day. Let's begin our journey together, remembering that caring for creation honors the Creator.
Let's turn our attention to the title of this slide: "Biblical View of Creation." This frames our discussion about how God's original design calls us to care for the earth. First, notice the phrase "God saw that it was good" from Genesis 1:31. This tells us that the whole creation was made intentionally good and purposeful. What does "good" mean for us? It means the resources around us—soil, water, animals—are gifts meant to be used wisely, not wasted. Next, think about stewardship. In biblical terms, stewardship is the responsibility to manage God's gifts responsibly, just like a caretaker looks after a garden. Humanity's role isn't to exploit the land for profit, but to protect and nurture it for future generations. Finally, consider the Kenyan proverb: "We inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children." This beautifully echoes the biblical call to care for creation now, because we are borrowing it for those who will come after us. To recap, we've seen that God declared creation good, that stewardship means responsible use, that we are caretakers, not exploiters, and that this aligns with both Scripture and our local wisdom. Any questions before we move on?
The main topic of today's slide: Pollution in Kenya. First, plastic waste is a big problem in Nairobi's rivers and even reaches the Indian Ocean. It clogs waterways and harms wildlife. We also see air pollution from traffic and factories, which affects breathing, especially for children. Take a look at this pie chart. It shows that 45 % of household waste is plastic, 30 % organic, 15 % metal, and the remaining 10 % falls into other categories. This explains why plastic dominates our waste streams. In summary, Kenya faces multiple types of pollution—plastic in our rivers, air from vehicles and industry, and the health impacts on people and wildlife. Understanding these sources helps us think about solutions.
Everyone, let's dive into the topic of deforestation and its impact here in Kenya. First, the main drivers: timber harvesting, charcoal production, and expanding agriculture. These are the reasons forests are cleared. At this table comparing forest cover in 2000 and 2023. You can see the forest area dropped from 41 % to just 33 % of Kenya's land. Because of that loss, animals like elephants, lions, and many bird species are losing their homes, and we see more soil erosion and poorer water quality. To recap: we cut down forests for timber, charcoal, and farms, which shrinks habitat, harms soil and water, and ultimately affects both wildlife and people.
Let's focus on today's topic: Overfishing in the Indian Ocean. First, the key species most affected are sardines, tuna, and coral‑reef fish. These are the fish many Kenyan coastal families rely on for food and income. When these stocks decline, market prices rise, making it harder for fishermen to earn a living and for families to afford protein. The Bible reminds us, "Give to the fish a fair share of the water." It teaches stewardship: we must protect marine life so the water remains a blessing for everyone. Remember, overfishing not only harms the ocean ecosystem but also the people who depend on it. Any questions before we move on?
