Pax Christi USA has joined many of our partners, including the Global Catholic Climate Movement, in signing on to and endorsing the “Healthy Planet, Healthy People Petition”.
We are encouraging our members to sign on as individuals as well. To sign the petition, click here.
The website for the petition states:
Our common home and common family are suffering. The climate emergency is causing rising seas, a warmer planet, and more extreme weather. It’s devastating the lives of our poorest sisters and brothers.
At the same time, biologists estimate that we’re driving species to extinction at a rate of 100 to 1,000 times their usual rate. “We have no such right” (Laudato Si’ 33).
Two UN conferences. One opportunity for Catholics worldwide to listen to Pope Francis and act out our faith.
The year 2021
We have an opportunity like no other.
At the UN Biodiversity Conference (COP15) in October, world leaders can set meaningful targets to protect creation.
In November, at the 26th UN Climate Change Conference (COP26), countries will announce their plans to meet the goals of the Paris agreement.
Ahead of those meetings, it is our responsibility as Catholics to lift up the voices of the most vulnerable and advocate on their behalf. We must act now.
Let us all take even the smallest and seemingly insignificant steps to save human lives and creation itself. Let this spread to community, national, and international actions. Speak to family, friends, acquaintances, and nonacquaintances whenever the opportunity arises. Step-by-step, our continued existence will depend upon it–as does the possibility for peace. Be well!