World Environment Day

World Environment Day (June 5^th) focuses on action to protect the Earthly home of us all.

In 2024 World Environment Day focuses on land restoration, desertification and drought resilience. Whilst drought affects every continent, eighty-five per cent of people affected by droughts live in low or middle-income countries. Of these, rural dwellers, small land-holder farmers, Indigenous peoples and women and girls are the most burdened by the consequences of drought. Without adequate action, droughts may affect over three-quarters of the world’s population by 2050.[1]

Rapidly changing and volatile situations are part of our current global context. Analyzers report on the cyclic relationship between ecological degradation, humanitarian emergencies and social-economic and political tensions that are at risk of escalating without substantial global cooperation.[2] One example is the link between conflict and water and food insecurity in some parts of the world.  Climate change is leading to more extreme weather events that add further pressure to the access to resources for the burgeoning global population.  

The shocking carnage of conflict and wars in other places has brought about thousands of deaths and continues to leave people living in constant fear for their lives and access to essentials. The destruction of natural systems leaves toxic soil, air and water, and obliterated agricultural areas, which will have inter-generational legacies. The loss of species of life unique to particular locations also occurs as part of the horror with untold ramifications. The chain of events continues when considering the necessary building and reconstruction work of public institutions, homes, businesses and infrastructure of entire cities and towns that follow wars, are linked to a sector reported to be a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions contributing to climate change.[3]  

Whilst the lens sharpens on evolving priorities, the history of World Environment Day stems from an international meeting in 1972 to pick up growing recognition of the time, that rapid advances in science and technology when heedlessly applied, brought harm to the natural environment. An example is industrial approaches to food production and harvesting that damage soils, waterways and local species, at times irreversibly.

Following on, a series of guiding principles called the Stockholm Declaration was adopted in 1972, and international dialogue about development and all the interconnected issues relating to the health and well-being of people and natural systems began. Up to that point and alarmingly since, human activity has been increasingly exceeding nature's limits and harming earthly systems, propelled by models of development that view Earth's riches as mere resources to be manipulated and used up as if they are infinite. More work is needed at this critical juncture.  Restoring and protecting degraded land, revising methods for growing and harvesting food, efficient water management, energy transition to clean energy for all sectors and parts of society and addressing unprecedented patterns of production and consumption that drive exploitation are among key imperatives. 

The focus over proceeding decades of efforts has tended towards care for the environment as if as a separate entity, or at least, something that humans possess and need to manage more prudently to progress the realisation of human-centric goals. 

The language is slowly shifting in various circles such that recognition that rather than over and above, humans are inherently part of a vast and evolving web of existence. “Nothing in nature can survive unlimited growth. Nothing in nature exists independently. Everything is interconnected and we are starting to realise this only now. We are not separated from nature, but are an integral part of this fragile web that evolved over millennia.”[4]

In contrast, Indigenous peoples of the world, have held onto their awareness of earth’s ways, such that gratitude, respect and reciprocity are fundamental to their spiritualities and approaches to living. Cardinal Charles Maung Bo, President of the Federation of Asian Bishops' Conference pays homage to Indigenous people who throughout time have been the great stewards of God’s creation. Cardinal Bo ends his reflection piece, Living in Grateful Synodal Harmony with Nature: rivers and oceans, with a lens of Indigenous wisdom, and urges the Church to enter dialogue openly with Indigenous peoples and learn humbly from them. “Nothing in nature lives for itself. The rivers do not drink their own water; the trees do not eat their own fruit; the sun does not shine on itself and flowers do not spread their fragrance for themselves. Living for others is a rule of nature. We are all born to help each other.”[5]

Cardinal Bo draws attention to re-awakening the sacred relationships between everything in God's gifts of creation to support a recalibration of priorities and a more balanced and shared future. Taking stock not only of social and ecological realities but also the underlying perceptions that feed the motives of our lives and the norms of our societies, facilitates a deeper look at our situation and sheds light on a path to transformative action both difficult and confronting yet hopefully more authentic and effective. Faith invites conscious partaking in life as co-creators of God’s ongoing work of creation. So too, a slowing down to marvel at, enjoy and give thanks for the greatness of what is right before us at all times, in even the tiniest wonders of creation.

Lifestyle considerations that acknowledge global impacts including responsible purchasing and travel, conscious food choices, using renewable energy, divesting from fossil fuels, caring for local lands and learning from Traditional Owners can empower anyone.

World Environment Day draws attention to global imperatives and collaboration. In 2021-2022, Columban missionaries participated in the lead-up to a new agreement under the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity, to see at least thirty percent of degraded land, inland water and marine and coastal systems are restored by 2030. Countries in Asia and Latin America where Columban missionaries live and serve are among those that have made commitments to restore lands. [6] 

Sr Caroline Vaitkunas RSM
Peace, Ecology and Justice Office
Columban Mission Centre, Essendon