For 55 years, Earth Day has been a global advocate for the health of the planet, calling for the protection of our air, oceans, soil, ecosystems, wildlife, and human health. This year it was on Tuesday 22 April.
Columbans have celebrated previous days by producing podcasts which explored promotion of biodiversity in a variety of contexts where Columban missionaries work. The Society has planted trees in Fiji, educated about plastic pollution in Australia, and supported communities lobbying against the construction of a coal-fired power plant in Korea. Columbans in Pakistan translated the 2015 environmental encyclical of Pope Francis, Laudato Si, into Urdu.
Our Power, Our Planet
The Earth Day 2025 theme is ‘Our Power, Our Planet,’ calling for a transition to renewable energy so that clean electricity can be tripled worldwide by 2030. Alongside this, would be reduction in the use of fossil fuels which are causing the climate crisis, as well as being very pollutive.
Local communities are at the heart of Earth Day. Here in Britain, the Columban house at Solihull installed solar panels on the roof for heating water, and advocacy has recently included joining a ‘No faith in fossil fuels’ ecumenical service and vigil in London to highlight the links between fossil fuels and the climate crisis.
Internationally,China is currently leading the world in both wind and solar, with twice as much capacity under construction as the rest of the world combined in 2024. Uruguay has moved from being dependent on oil imports to generating 98% of its electricity from renewable sources. In Denmark, over 50% of the country’s electricity is generated from wind turbines. A third of all homes in Australia use solar power.
Low cost energy and health benefits
As well as the cost of renewable energy falling in recent years there are health spin offs.
Reducing air pollution caused from the burning of fossil fuels can significantly lower the risk of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, including asthma, bronchitis, heart attacks, and strokes. And lowering the health care costs associated with pollution-related diseases can ease the strain on healthcare systems. Mental health can be improved by reducing the stress and anxiety linked to pollution, climate change, noise pollution, and environmental disasters.
In addition, renewable energy represents a huge economic opportunity and is set to create millions of new jobs globally.
Columban mission to protect biodiversity
May 2025 marks the 10th anniversary of publication of Pope Francis’ groundbreaking encyclical Laudato Si’ – On Care for our Common Home, which examines Catholic environmental teaching in the light of today’s planetary crisis. It gave us an approved Catholic path to expressing deep solidarity with all God’s Creation.
Columbans internationally will promote Laudato Si Week (24-31 May) and the Season of Creation (1 September–4 October). Locally, in the Philippines the Columban Sanctuary of Bantolinao - an initiative of the Negros Nine Human Development Foundation, administered by Columban missionaries - is engaged in livelihood projects and environment protection in Negros. In Britain, schools near the Columban centre in Solihull have been participating in eco-retreats, aimed at deepening their connection to creation and helping them to experience the joy of outdoor learning – mud and all!
What about Earth’s oceans?
The ocean is fundamental to life on our blue planet and to our future. It supplies us with oxygen to breathe, food, livelihoods, protects biodiversity and acts as a sink and reservoir of greenhouse gases. And, of course, ocean energy is a renewable energy source harnessed from the natural movement of water
In June, the UN is hosting an Ocean conference in Nice, France on the theme, ‘Our Ocean, Our Future, Our Responsibility.’ Columbans have been helping plan a multifaith delegation to the conference and a declaration, which Columbans have signed. Points in it include a call for education to promote awareness of ocean conservation, including science-based research and traditional knowledge. Also, learning about the harmful impacts of deep-sea mining and geo-engineering of the ocean. There is encouragement for more sustainable living practices that align with the well-being of the ocean. Community involvement in ocean protection efforts is nurtured and defending ocean advocates who are threatened for their calls to justice.
Ellen Teague runs a Media Desk for Columban Justice, Peace and Ecology in Britain.
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