Ecology

Implementing a new way to propose and develop pastoral activities through forming networks, developing platforms and creating commissions on specific themes are some of Celam's Centre for Pastoral Action Programmes and Networks achievements during 2022. Mauricio López, director of the unit, speaks of this as he looks back on the work done and the achievements attained.

Ecojesuit explored collaborative opportunities throughout 2022 with the six Jesuit Conferences, institutions, and network partners to build a shared advocacy and faith-based engagement in critical global events.

The United Nations conferences on climate change have been instrumental in bringing about global progress against the climate crisis, although much work remains to be done.

In Sri Lanka, the MAGIS Foundation has launched a project to counter the many faces of the country's crisis, which is economical, political, environmental and also food-related.

The Parish as Oasis – An Introduction to Practical Environmental Care is a new book that outlines practical steps that parishes can take to participate in environmental care, while working together with others on climate action.

This month, Jesuit Social Services’ Centre for Just Places launched its Collaborative Action Plan, articulating a shared vision for climate justice in the west of Melbourne.

Last week Jesuit Mission held their latest webinar - Water the Gift of Life, about the uplifting impact of the Water Project in empowering rural communities in Timor-Leste. The webinar welcomed special guests and project partners of Jesuit Mission, Fr Júlio Sousa SJ, Director of Jesuit Social Service (JSS) Timor-Leste and Jose Da Costa Pereira Soares, the Program Manager Assistant of the Water Project, who both spoke about the importance of handing over the project to local leaders.

Forest land in Madagascar is increasingly shrinking. According to Global Forest Watch, from 2001 to 2021, Madagascar lost 4.36Mha of vegetation cover, which is equivalent to a 25% decrease in vegetation cover since 2000, and 2.14Gt of CO₂eq emissions.

The webinar promoted by the European Alliance Laudato si' proposes ideas and solutions to optimise the role of the Church in the context of the environmental crisis. The President of the Jesuit Justice and Ecology Network Africa (JENA), Fr Charles Chilufya SJ: "We live on a limited planet, but our hearts are infinite".

The book of interviews on ecology was launched on Wednesday, 9 November, with interventions by former President Michelle Bachelet, Minister of Environment Maisa Rojas, and the Provincial of the Society of Jesus in Chile, Gabriel Roblero SJ.