Every Jesuit is called to be an Eco-Jesuit

By Suresh Antony, SJ

With an inspiring history of opting for frontier missions, the Society of Jesus has to confront the harsh realities and challenges of the ecological crisis – ranging from global warming to the degradation of life itself. The Eco-Jesuits have consistently stood at the forefront, striving to bring about meaningful redress amid these environmental ordeals. Their response has not been occasional or symbolic, but sustained, reflective, and deeply rooted in their mission of faith and justice.

It has been a journey marked by both glory and tragedy. It is a journey of glory, because this transformative mission toward establishing eco-justice has been made possible through robust commitment and a continuous effort to address emerging global issues. Being at the frontiers, the Eco-Jesuits, along with people of goodwill, continue to fight a hard battle in restoring the true face of Mother Earth. Their work reflects a deep conviction that caring for creation is not optional but integral to the Jesuit identity and mission.

It is also a tragic journey, for despite consistent, focused efforts and tireless hard work, the establishment of a truly comprehensive eco-justice remains a distant dream and a far cry globally. In contrast to the dedicated endeavours of many, the forces of ecological degradation and impending disaster continue to rise relentlessly, often beyond the range of human control. The pace of destruction frequently surpasses the pace of restoration, creating a widening gap between hope and reality.

This journey will indeed remain tragic as long as a minority of the super-rich and powerful persist in exploiting the Earth’s natural resources and generating disproportionate carbon emissions -while the burden of their excesses falls upon the majority and the poor, who suffer the gravest consequences of environmental injustice. The Global North continues to be the primary contributor to carbon emissions, while the Global South disproportionately bears the brunt of this ecological crisis.

According to The Guardian (online news), an estimated 5 million tonnes of carbon dioxide were emitted within just 14 days during the US–Israel conflict involving Iran. Every missile strike, drone operation, and refinery bombing becomes not only an act of war but also a direct investment in a hotter, more disaster-prone future—one that affects both the Global South and the Global North, though unevenly.

The year 2024 marked a disturbing milestone: global temperatures rose to approximately 1.6°C above pre-industrial levels. For the first time in recorded history, the annual global average temperature anomaly exceeded the critical threshold of 1.5°C. These alarming indicators do not inspire hope for a sustainable or secure planetary future. Instead, they point toward escalating ecological instability, deepening inequality, and a growing moral urgency to rethink our patterns of development, consumption and conflict.

Every Jesuit is called to embrace a “vocation within a vocation” to become an Eco-Jesuit.

The growing concern for the environment and the urgent need to address the ecological crisis can be understood in two distinct yet interconnected phases. This twofold ecological commitment is essential for both mitigating environmental damage and restoring the face of the Earth, which, in faith, we recognize as the image of God.

First, it calls us to build networks with global citizens of goodwill who share a common vision for a greener and more sustainable future. This networking is not merely strategic but relational, grounded in shared responsibility and mutual accountability. Second, it demands that we strengthen our resilience by standing with and empowering the poor, who are the most affected by ecological degradation. These two dimensions together form the heart of an authentic ecological response as eco-Jesuit mission.

For us as Jesuits, any effort in this direction must be rooted in safeguarding the rights and dignity of the poor in the face of this impending ecological disaster. Ultimately, the cry of the poor and the cry of the Earth are one and the same, calling us to a deeper, more committed response.

This crisis calls us to build networks at various levels – local, regional, and global. Events such as COP30 serve as an illuminating example of such networking. The COP30 presidency invited the international community to participate in a global “Mutirão”—an ancestral practice of coming together to undertake a shared task in a collaborative effort to address climate change for the progress of humanity.

The spirit of Mutirão unites us as one human family; it embodies cooperation, collaboration, shared prosperity and a deep sense of community. In an ecclesial context, this vision resonates strongly with the idea of synodality—a journeying together in discernment and action for a common goal. It invites us to listen, to walk together and to act collectively for the care of our common home. It calls us to rid ourselves of consumerism and greed.

As stewards of creation and collaborators in the mission of the Church, Religious Orders and Congregations are called to stand in solidarity with all people of goodwill who strive for a just and sustainable future. Our collective voice carries moral weight and possesses the power to move mountains especially when it is rooted in unity, faith and a shared commitment to the common good.

COP30 centred around concrete climate action, guided by the principles of climate justice and climate economy, moving away from the current trends of consumerism that are leading the world toward an abyss. Being faithful servants of the Church, the Society of Jesus took up this task of climate justice with utmost seriousness. By joining the global network, the Society of Jesus, along with people of goodwill, has plunged into a campaign for action at COP30.

In this campaign, four key issues were raised as statements for the delegates of COP30 for deliberation, discussion, and eventual action. The ultimate purpose of the campaign by the Society of Jesus, other Catholic organizations, and many Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) is to create one loud and united voice that calls for far more decisive climate action for climate justice.

First call: Cancel the debt of poor countries, enabling them to respond effectively to the ecological crisis without being burdened by unjust financial structures.

Second call: Strengthen the Loss and Damage Fund to ensure that vulnerable nations receive adequate support for the irreversible impacts of climate change.

Third call: Set ambitious targets for a just energy transition that significantly reduces CO₂ emissions while ensuring equity and inclusion.
Fourth call: Establish clear goals for developing a global food system rooted in food sovereignty and agro-ecological practices.

‘Care for our common home’ is, in essence, care for Christ Himself. The unbroken and undefiled face of the Earth reflects the face of the Risen Christ.

Our efforts in this sphere of global networking must deepen into a firm and uncompromising commitment to climate justice. Beyond global networking, local-level collaboration can yield significant outcomes. A “network of networks” can serve as a dynamic structure that brings together individuals, communities and institutions committed to ecological renewal.

At the local level, such networking can take shape through eco-spirituality, eco-education, eco-awareness, sustainable green practices, research and advocacy. Within these interconnected networks, a wide range of initiatives can be undertaken like eco-retreats, eco-recollections, sensitization programs, organic and microbial-based farming and solar panels installations. Jesuit provinces that show generosity by allocating climate or green finance within their annual budgets respond meaningfully to the urgent cry of Mother Earth. Achieving a “zero electricity bill” through the trapping of solar energy in Jesuit communities and educational institutions is no longer optional but necessary.

At the same time, reducing dependence on fossil fuels is imperative. A mere reduction in the number of automobiles will not suffice; what is required is a substantial decrease in overall fossil fuel consumption at a global level to effectively address climate change. Jesuit educational institutions can play a vital role in sensitizing the students, teachers and stakeholders through advocacy.

Every Jesuit is called to embrace a “vocation within a vocation” to become an Eco-Jesuit. This involves active participation in tree plantation for carbon sequestration and the promotion of concrete, sustainable ecological practices that safeguard our common home. Our cultivable lands must increasingly be used for natural, organic and bio-fertilizer based-farming practices that ensure food sovereignty and promote agro-ecological sustainability. The curriculum at our institutes must include agro-ecological sustainability practices that promote sustainable living. The promotion of agro-ecological sustainability must place farmers and their well-being at its very centre. Their knowledge, dignity and livelihoods are integral to any meaningful ecological transformation.

In this regard, research has a crucial role to play in developing and advancing microbial-based bio-fertilizers and bio-pesticides. Such innovations not only enhance soil fertility but also safeguard human well-being by enabling the production and consumption of toxin-free, organic food. Jesuit higher education and Jesuit research centres must focus on this aspect of research and make it a priority.

As the world moves toward alternative energy and reduces dependence on fossil fuels, policies will inevitably shift, and traditional sources of livelihood may decline especially for those working in coal mining, many of whom are indigenous people. In this transition, there is a real risk that marginalized communities may bear further economic burdens. Therefore, our commitment to ecological sustainability must also include a just transition. Safeguarding the dignity and livelihoods of indigenous peoples and other vulnerable groups must remain our highest priority in the ecological mission. This calls for intentional efforts to create and support alternative sources of income, ensuring that no community is left behind in the shift toward a greener future. All forms of exploitation and manipulation of the poor on account of ecological crisis must cease.

In conclusion, every Jesuit – whatever their ministry may be – is called to be an Eco-Jesuit. UAP 4 – ‘care for our common home’ is, in essence, care for Christ Himself. The unbroken and undefiled face of the Earth reflects the face of the Risen Christ. Only through a personal and collective transformation we can truly respond to the cry of the Earth and the cry of the poor and become faithful stewards of God’s creation.

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