Climate Change
Dear Editor: This month, Pope Francis made history when he called upon Catholics worldwide to take action against climate change during his first encyclical. This document is the first of its kind the Catholic Church devoted to climate change.
Not only does he recognize that humans are instrumental in the destruction of the planet and a primary cause of climate change, but he also notes that populations in developing countries are bearing the brunt of the climate’s destructive effects. Pope Francis reminds us that climate change is a matter of human rights and social justice. At the Sitka Conservation Society, we hear his call loud and clear.
We have long been working to protect the environment of Southeast Alaska while simultaneously promoting sustainable and resilient communities. People and place go hand-in-hand, you must care for both.
As a member of the Jesuit Volunteer Corps Northwest stationed at a conservation non-profit, Pope Francis’s encyclical strongly resonated with me. The document strikes right at the intersection of the Catholic identity of JVC Northwest and my service plan at the Sitka Conservation Society. At SCS, I work towards social and ecological justice in Sitka every day. Social and ecological justice are core values of JVC Northwest and values I’ve also found during my time at SCS.
To me, ecological justice means giving all children a chance to experience pristine nature and preserving it for future generations. I teach Sitka’s 4-H youths about environmental stewardship through gardening, outdoor skills, and kayaking. These activities teach kids useful skills while also encouraging them to be outside and explore the Tongass. By experiencing nature in a fun and safe way, these kids are learning to value the place they call home. As they grow, my students will be more likely to protect these special places and become advocates for public land.
Pope Francis offers us a different lens than science while presenting climate change: faith. Regardless of where you stand on matters of spirituality, we hope this new way of looking at the Earth will draw more supporters to protect the wilderness we hold dear here in Southeast. Thanks, Pope Francis, for bringing environmental protection to the forefront of your agenda!
Sarah Komisar,
Sitka Conservation Society
