SJES ROME

Madagascar, an island nation renowned for its rich biodiversity, faces a precarious battle against the escalating impacts of climate change. From devastating cyclones to persistent droughts and rising sea levels, the country’s vulnerability underscores the urgency of bold and transformative action. Through its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement on Climate Change, Madagascar has embarked on a remarkable journey to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, enhance adaptation, and build climate resilience. As the world turns its attention to the outcomes of Conference of Parties on Climate Change (COP29), Madagascar stands at a critical juncture. Insights from the global climate stage provide both inspiration and practical strategies to inform the next chapter of its climate journey. With NDC1 laying the groundwork and NDC2 building upon its lessons, expectations for NDC3 are higher than ever. This article explores Madagascar’s progress, the lessons learned, and the roadmap forward, showcasing how collaboration, ambition, and innovation are shaping a resilient future for one of the world’s most vulnerable nations.

Venezuelan Amazon communities face severe climate vulnerabilities. In response, the Universidad Católica Andrés Bello launched a project to raise awareness through enhanced communication and community empowerment, helping local groups mitigate and adapt to climate change while resisting external exploitation.

The International Campaign to Ban Landmines (ICBL) applauds the significant steps taken during the 5th Review Conference of the Mine Ban Treaty to uphold the treaty and its norms, despite the challenging global landscape and concerning developments in recent weeks...

Bryan P. Galligan, a jesuit, reflects on his research into coral reef fisheries along the East African Coral Coast, where his work began with JENA in Kenya. He studies how sustainable fishing practices enhance both biodiversity and nutritional health in coastal communities. Snorkelling over a recovering reef, Bryan feels encouraged by the positive impact these efforts have on the ecosystem and local livelihoods.

Roberto Jaramillo, SJ, Secretary for Social Justice and Ecology, has announced the appointment of Fr. SM John Kennedy, SJ, to lead the Jesuit Integral Ecology Initiative (EcoJesuit) within the Global Ignatian Advocacy Network (GIAN). John Kennedy, a Jesuit priest from the Madurai Province in India, is currently the Province's Delegate for Education and the Jesuit Conference of South Asia's Delegate for Ecology. We extend a warm welcome to John Kennedy.

More than 20 countries across Europe have come together in Rome to participate in a conference dedicated to the Church’s ongoing efforts to protect the most vulnerable.

Addressing COP29 on behalf of Pope Francis and the Holy See, Cardinal Pietro Parolin urges urgent climate action, linking environmental protection to peace, justice, and global solidarity, and warning that indifference enables injustice.

The Jaboticaba Agricultural Family School in Brazil reuses water for sustainable food production in a semi-arid region. Since 1993, it has combined agroecology with wastewater treatment to enhance food security and educate students. The project promotes environmental sustainability and aims to influence public policies in line with Pope Francis’s call for integral ecology.

The Jesuits for Climate Justice call for urgent action: make the Loss and Damage Fund effective, cancel climate debt, and advance just energy transitions. Inspired by the visions of Francis of Assisi, Julian of Norwich, and Ignatius of Loyola—who “found joy in the ‘praise, reverence, and service’ of all God’s creation”—James Hanvey, SJ, invites us to celebrate life’s interconnectedness and protect our common home together.

It is from Latin America and the Caribbean that we present and disseminate this recently published work, the fruit of a two-and-a-half year working group that brought together Universities linked to AUSJAL and Social Centers linked to RCS (Jesuit Social Centers Network), all participants in the Conference of Provinces of Latin America and the Caribbean (CPAL). The work, which involves ten countries and 15 organizations, looks at the relationship between the environment and corruption in our continent innovatively, analyzing our challenges in the light of Integral Ecology.