I was raised Catholic but am no longer a member of the flock. With that said, Pope Francis was a wonderful human being, who has left a beautiful legacy behind, especially his contribution to the climate emergency and social justice. We can only hope that whoever steps in to fill his shoes continues this work at such an important time for humanity, and all life on earth.
The next Pope may seem inconsequential to many, but it is a very important role in the world – especially right now. A Pope who continues building on his legacy, speaking up for the ecological health of our planet and as a voice for the poorest, would be a very positive move for the Church to make. A Pope in opposition to this work would be a significant step back. Let’s hope the Cardinals get it right.
Good read – What Power Does the Pope Really Have Now? – Newsweek,
Because of his legacy, we decided to discuss Pope Francis on Climate Courage (see below) and I needed a refresher of his encyclical, Laudato Si’. If you’re interested, here is a summary – Best Laudato Si’ summary – Laudato Si’ Movement.
If you don’t want to read this, at least have a look at the summary of the six chapters. It will help you to understand the depth of thinking and contribution he made. It’s a roadmap of what we must do.
“Chapter One: What is Happening to Our Common Home” summarizes the scope of current problems related to the environment. Issues discussed include pollution, climate change, water scarcity, loss of biodiversity, and global inequality.
“Chapter Two: The Gospel of Creation” draws on the Bible as a source of insight. The Genesis creation stories are interpreted as enjoining responsible cultivation and protection of nature. Past attempts to justify the absolute human domination of other species are “not a correct interpretation of the Bible” (LS 67). The natural world is further portrayed as a gift, a message, and a common inheritance of all people.
“Chapter Three: The Human Roots of the Ecological Crisis” explores social trends and ideologies that have caused environmental problems. These include the unreflective use of technology, an impulse to manipulate and control nature, a view of humans as separate from the environment, narrowly-focused economic theories, and moral relativism.
“Chapter Four: Integral Ecology” presents the encyclical’s main solution to ongoing social and environmental problems. Integral ecology affirms that humans are part of a broader world and calls for “comprehensive solutions which consider the interactions within natural systems themselves and with social systems” (LS 139). While the study of ecosystems has become well-known in the science of ecology, integral ecology expands this paradigm to consider the ethical and spiritual dimensions of how humans are meant to relate to each other and the natural world – drawing on culture, family, community, virtue, religion, and respect for the common good.
“Chapter Five: Lines of Approach and Action” applies the concept of integral ecology to political life. It calls for international agreements to protect the environment and assist low-income countries, new national and local policies, inclusive and transparent decision-making, and an economy ordered to the good of all.
Lastly, “Chapter Six: Ecological Education and Spirituality” concludes the encyclical with applications to personal life. It recommends a lifestyle focused less on consumerism and more on timeless, enduring values. It calls for environmental education, joy in one’s surroundings, civic love, reception of the sacraments, and an “ecological conversion” in which an encounter with Jesus leads to deeper communion with God, other people, and the world of nature.
Some more articles
- How Pope Francis Helped Inspire the Global Movement Against Climate Change – The New York Times
- Laudato si’: Pope Francis on the environment – Vatican News
- From the archives: Pope Francis says climate change is a “road to death”
- Science, compassion and Catholicism: How Pope Francis helped inspire global climate action
- Earth Day: 10 quotes from Pope Francis on creation, care for the environment | Catholic News Agency
- Pope Francis pushed for action on climate change : NPR
In other news
The US has decided to push for women to have more children, and this will be an interesting one to watch, as so many countries have tried and failed time after time. Team Trump are off to a cracking start too, with one of the “rewards” looking like it came straight out of the Hitler and Stalin playbook – Trump Team Ponders Ways to Incentivize More Babies, Including Offering Moms Medals.
A visual reflection of what this goal is all about…. US women, protect your rights. This is not a good move, for any of you.
However, if anyone has the ear of anyone in the Whitehouse, it might be worth pointing out that any attempt will fail if they don’t address the reason why couples can’t get pregnant, the same reason it is believed human’s will be sterile by the mid-40s. Toxic exposure to pollution, chemicals, plastics, and more in our environment.
The linked article above is discussing sperm count, but here’s some new research on women – Microplastics found in human ovary follicular fluid for the first time | Women’s health | The Guardian.
Of course, Trump isn’t planning on addressing one of the real reasons birthrates are dropping, he’s going to make things worse – E.P.A. Set to Cancel Grants Aimed at Protecting Children From Toxic Chemicals – The New York Times.
We all know the reasons women are having less children is wide and varied. These include the fact that young people don’t want to bring children into a world on the brink of ecological collapse. Others can’t afford families, and many just don’t want them.
I hope we all appreciate that whatever decision a woman makes, it is the right one.
Another good read on the topic: Opinion | MAGA Natalism Is Doomed to Fail – The New York Times.
Luxury brands in crisis
This has been an interesting story. In recent weeks, Chinese manufacturers of luxury goods are openly talking about their work for the world’s most luxurious brands. In response, Hermés is suing Chinese manufacturers for exposing their fraud and share prices are dropping off a cliff. Maybe, just maybe, we’ll wake up and realize these luxury goods are contributing to the planetary crisis and be rid of them for good? A gal can dream!
Onto the planetary crisis
Good news, up to 89% of the world’s population wants to do something about climate change, the problem is, they are a silent majority, believing their views are fringe. Pay attention to the 89% movement and please, start speaking up and acting – A silent majority of the world’s people wants stronger climate action. It’s time to wake up | Mark Hertsgaard and Kyle Pope | The Guardian.
India and Pakistan are suffering a brutal heatwave right now – it’s early and it will be devastating. A critical need is trees in urban environments and protecting the forests they still have, while regenerating forests already destroyed. But this is where India is on that front – India’s forests are disappearing, but not on paper | Dialogue Earth. Oh and please, India and Pakistan, peace! Show the world how it’s done!
Food security is becoming an increasingly urgent issue – we need to face up to this, best to do it before starvation expands don’t ya think? Farmers sound the alarm as planting season reaches a crucial turning point: ‘It will be a total disaster’.
Hurricane season is coming and it’s expected to be a doozy, but don’t worry, we’ll still cut science – Scientists predict a brutal hurricane season while Trump takes aim at NOAA’s budget | Grist.
Last Saturday, the US National Weather Service reported that 552 tornadoes had occurred in the U.S. this year—well above the average total of 337 for the period of January through April in 1991–2020. Then an outbreak struck Texas and Oklahoma on Saturday night, killing at least three people. Parts of those two states were at the center of the twister-prone “tornado alley” for most of the 1900s, but this well-known corridor has been shifting steadily eastward in the past three and a half decades. This year many of the touchdowns that caused deaths occurred in Mississippi, Alabama and Tennessee, all east of the old alley – The New Tornado Alley Has Been Hyperactive this Year | Scientific American.
In the global south, we are very aware of the waste crisis, because countries across the world have been dumping waste here for decades. The reality was always going to slam the wealthy world in the face, because waste was never going to stay here. A story from Bosnia.
Some good news. In the Farne Islands, it appears that Puffins are building bird-flu immunity, and in recent years, despite bird flu, Puffin populations have increased 15% since 2019 – Farne Islands Puffins building bird-flu immunity – BirdGuides.
Bad news, and the heading says it all – 84 percent of the world’s coral reefs hit by worst bleaching event on record | PBS News.
Global economy
I found this a very interesting interview, especially the commentary around the fact we have never been in a situation like this before – so there is no precedence to understand what happens next. The IMF said we are not in a global recession, but Robert Kahn, Eurasia Group’s Managing Director, Global Macro doesn’t agree, and believes we could be heading towards absolute disaster. A sober listen.
More and more people are speaking about the ultra-wealthy and how they plan to leave us all to face collapse, although I really don’t think they’ve thought this through. Either that, or they’ve just got the timing wrong – it’s already happening, so better get building those freedom cities boys! Here Robert Reich discusses ‘the event.’ The secession of the billionaire class – Robert Reich.
That’s it for this week, plenty more, just click through in the reads below. Updated daily.
Favorite visual or meme
This started making the rounds pretty quickly earlier this week…
Fair?
Right!
100% correct
We can see what needs to change here, right?
My content and my pals
Natalie Turner is an incredible lady and here she is, in her latest TEDx Talk, discussing the importance of purpose. Watch it and be inspired. Great work woman!
I have to say, it was an absolute privilege to listen to Dr. Lorna Gold, executive director of the Laudato Sì Movement, and Clare Westwood, regional director of the Roman Catholic Episcopal Commission for Creation Justice of Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei, speak about the legacy of Pope Francis on Climate Courage yesterday. If you haven’t had time, please do listen. It will give you hope!
Dig into the news
Plenty more to read, listen to or watch, so do click through to the reads at the image below, and a reminder, this platform has articles going back weeks, so have a scan and read/watch/listen to whatever jumps out at you.
Let me know what caught your attention? Or share with me what has your attention now? There’s a lot going on, which means none of us can cover everything. Besides, it’s always great to get feedback so I know I’m delivering something of value.
Cheers
Andrea
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