Environment

The Catholic Church brings a distinct perspective to the discussion of environmental questions, by lifting up the moral dimensions of these issues and the needs of the most vulnerable among us. This unique contribution is rooted in Catholic teaching calling us to care for creation and for "the least of these." (Mt 25:40) Of particular concern to the Church is how environmental problems and our response to these challenges will affect poor and vulnerable people at home and around the world.

In response to Pope John Paul II's groundbreaking 1990 World Day of Peace message entitled Peace With God the Creator, Peace With All of Creation, the full body of U.S. Catholic bishops adopted their first statement on the environment, Renewing the Earth: An Invitation to Reflection and Action on Environment in Light of Catholic Social Teaching.In this foundational statement the bishops draw attention to the ethical dimensions of the ecological crisis, exploring the link between ecology and poverty and the implications of environmental degradation for human life and dignity.

Building on the commitment made by the U.S. bishops in their 1991 statement Renewing the Earth, the Environmental Justice Program (EJP)  of the USCCB was created in 1993 to educate and motivate Catholics to a deeper reverence and respect for God's creation, and to encourage Catholics to address environmental problems, particularly as they affect poor and vulnerable people. EJP acts as a resource for Catholic dioceses and state Catholic conferences, and through them Catholic parishes.

What's New

Letter to Bicameral Task Force on Climate Change
Bishop Stephen E. Blaire, February 21, 2013

Letter to President Obama on Climate Change
Religious leaders, including Bishop Stephen E. Blaire, January 29, 2013

Celebrate the Feast of St. Francis with these New Resources

Friending Planet Earth: Helping Youth Understand Solidarity and Sustainability in Light of Climate Change

Sustainability and Catholic Higher Education: A Toolkit for Mission Integration

St. Francis Care for Creation Award

Bishops' Statements on the Environment

• Climate Change Justice and Health Initiative
  
• Children's Health and the Environment Initiative

Related Campaigns/Partners

• Catholic Coalition on Climate Change
• Catholic Climate Covenant 
       (Take the St. Francis Pledge to Care for Creation and the Poor)
• Catholics Confront Global Poverty
       (Global Climate Change and our Catholic Response)

More Information