The global climatic crisis: the challenge for new generations

In 2024, the World Meteorological Organization (OMM) reported that it was the warmest year recorded in the last decade. Given this panorama, the encyclical laudato does written by Pope Francis in 2015 resonates more strongly than ever.

By Verónica Moreno / Radio Fe y Alegría News

Within the framework of World Environment Day, on Thursday, June 5, the Jesuit priest Eugenio Rivas, a doctor of theology, highlighted the urgency of assuming responsibility in the current ecological and social crisis.

Rivas emphasized the program First-hand From Radio Fe y Alegría news that Pope Francis not only warned about this crisis, but also made an accurate diagnosis of a reality in which human beings are the main architects.

«The human being occupies a privileged place within creation, but this privilege does not mean superiority, but responsibility,» said the theologian.

He also indicated that in the second chapter of the encyclical, Francisco deepens the stories of the creation of Genesis, calling for a deep exegesis. He stressed that God is the owner of everything on earth and that human beings are custodians. This vision implies ensuring the present and ensuring the habitability of the planet for future generations, since inaction and continuous abuse of natural resources will lead to an uninhabitable world in several years.

We need more education to avoid a climatic crisis

Given this situation, education is an indispensable tool. EUGENIO RIVAS SJ. He quoted Pope Francis by stating that «we are illiterate in care.» It is necessary for society to learn to take care of the planet, but this education goes beyond scientific knowledge; It implies a change of awareness and an ethic of care that permeates all our actions.

While it is true that many of the problems derived from global warming are irreversible given its advanced state, the Jesuit said that we are still in time to control the damage. Therefore, the commitment of countries so that their activities do not drastically impact the environment.

Global collaboration and sustainable policies implementation are essential to mitigate the effects of climate change and build a more habitable future.