In May, Ireland became only the second country in the world to declare a “climate and biodiversity emergency.” But was it only a “greenwashing” move to distract climate activists from more oil and gas drilling?
Environment
Posted inFaith, GoodNews
The eco-friendly project that provides solar power to Catholic institutions – at no cost
Catholic Energies offers no-cost counseling to parishes, schools, hospitals and other Catholic organizations. “[We] demonstrate to them how they can save money and reduce their carbon emissions through smart solar energy projects.”
Posted inFaith, News
Vatican City State set to end sale of single-use plastics
After all previously stocked items are gone, no more single-use plastic will be sold.
Posted inPolitics & Society, Short Take
How space exploration became a wake up call on climate change
We know of at least 4,000 planets outside our solar system, writes the astronomer Samantha Lawler, but we will not be visiting any of them soon—nor do we know if any are inhabitable. Exploring space teaches us the fragility of Earth.
Posted inDispatches, Faith
California bishops release new letter on environment for ‘Laudato Si’’ anniversary
In the four years since Pope Francis released his encyclical “On Care of Our Common Home,” both global and local reporting on the effects of climate change has only gotten more dire.
Posted inDispatches, Faith
‘Laudato Si’’ calls us to ecological conversion. What does that look like?
Four years later, various Catholic groups are answering the call from “Laudato Si’” as they try to help people close a gap between the spiritual life and ecological awareness.
Posted inDispatches, Politics & Society
This 1,200-year-old Benedictine monastery has been ‘carbon-negative’ for 20 years
The Munsterschwarzach Abbey in Bavaria began their eco-project in 2000—years before politicians or the German public began to worry about climate change.
Posted inArts & Culture, Books
Review: What can we do about rising sea levels?
A new book on sea-level rise by Elizabeth Rush is a welcome addition to the small but growing canon on what the changing climate means for U.S. residents.
Posted inNews, Politics & Society
Pope Francis: ‘Startling’ inaction on climate change must end
If the world is to win the fight against climate change, its leaders must stop profiting from fossil fuels that threaten the survival and well-being of the planet and its inhabitants, Pope Francis said.
Posted inDispatches, Politics & Society
How the University of San Francisco became the first Jesuit university to go carbon neutral
The Jesuit university has achieved carbon neutrality through energy efficiency and also through the financial support of reforestation projects and other green initiatives around the world.