Authored by the Eco-Justice Committee of the Dominican Sisters of Peace

Of what are we in control of?  Certainly not Nature; often not over our own lives.

Since all matter is interconnected, is it any wonder that climate changes affect us?  Or vice versa? As we have evolved and increased in numbers, we have broadened our use of Earth’s resources—water, plants, animals, minerals.  These resources have been seen as infinite. The trouble is they are finite - often irreplaceable, such as fresh water.

More people are being forced into a nomadic life. Reports from UN agencies such as for Refugees or Environment Risk Reduction tell us that for 2023-24 alone:

• 26.4 million displacements by climate-related hazards
• Displaced people have increased to 120 million seeking refuge within a country or outside it due to loss of resources or internal instability and war.
• One in every 69 people on Earth is seeking refuge.

Add the costs of recovery from storm-related damages stemming from climate changes and the loss of agricultural income from droughts. Prices in our market economy will fluctuate but generally rise. Historically, prices for goods have never returned to their original level.

Carbon Dioxide [CO2] traps the heat emitted from Earth into the atmosphere, making Earth a greenhouse. Fossil fuels and forest fires give off CO2. Oceans and large lakes are now overheated through their absorption of CO2, killing life within their waters.   

 Too many people in the US do not see the connections between climate change's impact on our economy and other populations.

Can we encourage the shift away from coal, oil, and gas sources of energy in our elections by supporting those who advocate clean energy fuels?

Our future way of existence depends upon our choices.