From the degradation of our ecosystems, the pollution of our air and water systems, forced migration and displacement, to exacerbated and entrenched disadvantage, Pope Francis challenged us to see these interconnected crises not in isolation, but as part of a broken relationship between people, communities, and the Earth.
“We have to realise that a true ecological approach always becomes a social approach; it must integrate questions of justice in debates on the environment, so as to hear both the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor.” (Pope Francis, Laudato Si’)
A decade on, Laudato Si’ remains profoundly impactful and relevant not only to the Catholic Church, but also to communities, decision-makers and the scientific community. Around the world, communities are experiencing the devastating consequences of our ecological crisis – it can no longer be denied. Its most severe effects are felt in countries where extreme weather devastates communities, rising sea levels threaten coastal regions, global temperatures continue to exacerbate the housing crisis, and ecosystem collapse jeopardizes livelihoods. Critically, we are witnessing failing systems of support, especially for those most vulnerable.
At Jesuit Social Services, we see the impact of this crisis on the individuals and communities we work with everyday across Australia. We know that the impacts of the climate crisis are not equally felt, and it is often the most vulnerable and disadvantaged communities that bear the brunt not only environmental challenges but also social and economic forms of disadvantage, as shown in our Dropping off the Edge research into locational disadvantage across Australia. These impacts compound existing injustices, placing additional pressure on physical and mental health, wellbeing, and people’s ability to live safe and flourishing lives.
