Ecological crisis is a reality. It is impossible to deny it. As Pope Francis states “To say that there is nothing to hope for would be suicidal, for it would mean exposing all humanity, especially the poorest, to the worst impacts of climate change.” (Laudate Deum,53).
The ongoing discussions on the Fossil Fuels Non-Proliferation Treaty are therefore a must to address the climate emergency. The science is clear, human -induced climate change is real, and its most significant driver is the burning of fossil fuels. Extraction of oil, coal and gas has caused harm to local communities, our bio-diversities and agriculture, leading to lack of food and water, health issues and human right violations, as well as war due to proliferation of weapons.A recent study published in Nature found that to have a 50 percent chance of meeting the 1.5°C target, “nearly 60 percent of fossil oil and methane gas, and 90 percent of coal should not be extracted.”
As Franciscans in Africa, we trying to be part of the solution through our monthly birthday tree planting campaign for Eden Garden restoration, celebrating the Season of Creation with all our networks, we take part in global engagement for policy lobbying through the Faith4Earth Initiatives/UNEP.
“We recognize that “the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the children of God in the hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to decay” (Rom. 8:19-20) and because “We know the whole creation has been groaning in Labour pains until now” (Rom. 8:22)
In aaddressing Loss and Damage, and responding to the cry of the poor, we are focusing on indigenous communities of Maasai in Kenya that were devastated by drought and floods.
We have built a JPIC Franciscan Africa-Laudato Si Community Centre, a Franciscan model in the middle of the affected community. It is here that we empower communities on an agro-ecology, farming in God’s way which gives us the opportunity to continue raising a prophetic voice until we achieve climate justice. We are already seeing the fruits, a place where hope has been lost, now as we hope and act with creation, it is real that hope is coming back to this community.
Sr. Mary Wangare
