Environmental Justice

In the midst of a climate and biodiversity crisis Care of our Common Home is an increasingly important component of social justice work. There is a recognition that “the human environment and the natural environment deteriorate together; we cannot adequately combat environmental degradation unless we attend to causes related to human and social degradation” (LS48) The publication of Laudato Si by Pope Francis in 2015 both cemented and crystalised the role of Faith based communities in creation care – “Living our vocation to be protectors of God’s handiwork is essential to a life of virtue; it is not an optional or a secondary aspect of our Christian experience.” (LS 217). The encyclical invites us to embrace an integral ecology approach to tackling the interconnected social and environmental problems currently facing global society.

Working in collaboration with others, including faith and non-faith-based groups and in particular the wider Jesuit network, the Centre works at European, National and local levels. This includes advocating for sound environmental policy through policy submission, event organisation, research and effective communication. In a changing environment, caring for our common home is a vital and sincere expression of our love for one another.