On March 15, 2019, youth climate activists around the world went on strike to protect their future and the future generations of all God's creation. From September 20-27, young activists are inviting all of us to join them in a Global Climate Strike. Find an event near you.
After witnessing the recent devastation from Hurricane Dorian in the Bahamas, we are reminded of María, Sandy, Katrina, and Yolanda (Philippines). Maryknoll missioners have witnessed first-hand the devastation of hurricanes, wildfires, droughts and floods exacerbated by climate change. But they are also involved in restorative acts to build more resilient communities, such as helping provide disaster relief, opening sustainable ecological centers and agriculture programs, and much more.
Pope Francis has echoed scientists in declaring that we are in a climate emergency that will intensely affect future generations, and especially the poor, unless we act rapidly for transformational change. As people of faith and hope, we must heed this call to protect our common home and the most vulnerable. Join us with whatever level of commitment that you can the week of September 20. Here are some ideas on how you can be part of this week of climate action:
1. Join a climate strike near you. We will be with the faith contingent gathering on September 20 in Washington, D.C. Click here to find banners for the strike, created by the Laudato Si Generation.
2. Pray the week of September 20 for people attending the climate strike and for global action against climate change.
3. Post about climate change and express your support for the strike on social media. Click here for sample social media posts, created by NC Interfaith Power and Light.
4. Call your elected officials to urge them to take action or thank them for past action against climate change. See this sample script for inspiration.
4. Write a letter to the editor in your local newspaper calling for climate action.
5. Join us at Ecumenical Advocacy Days on April 24-27, 2020 for the theme, “Imagine! God’s Earth and People Restored.” Learn, pray and advocate for climate justice and economic justice.
Photo: MOGC staff and partner organizations at the March 15th Youth Climate Strike